A groundbreaking pilot program to help single Indigenous mothers find meaningful full-time employment is set to launch in Dryden.
Council approved the re-zoning of the old Pinewood School Monday night with no resistance.
The approval paves the way for the development of a 15-unit multi-residential home, child care centre and resources centre.
The multi-agency initiative is being led by the Kenora District Services Board and Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall says support from area residents and the City has been overwhelming.
Wall says this is a community project and he’s thankful for the support, stressing that Dryden is taking a leading role and has set an example for future expansion plans.
Wall believes the housing complex and employment program will be the future of poverty reduction strategies across the district.
The program is a four year provincially funded initiative and is the first of its kind in Ontario.
Wall says the project is aimed at aboriginal mothers who have a Grade 12 diploma, who are pursuing a post-secondary education, resulting in meaningful employment.
He notes they will now work on the application criteria, indicating there will be strict requirements that will need to be met.
Wall hopes to begin renovations to the old school before the snow flies.
He adds Dryden has taken a major step to help Indigenous families succeed.
