The Kenora District Services Board is hoping to secure $800,000 in funding to establish eight supportive housing units in Sioux Lookout.
The federal government is providing $2.5-million for capital investments for remote and rural communities.
KDSB Chief Administrative Officer Henry Wall calls the situation in Sioux Lookout a “crisis”.
Wall says the only place of residence for a number of people right now is the Emergency Shelter.
Wall notes the shortage burdens the health care system, taxpayers, emergency services and policing.
Under the proposal, the KDSB would own the buildings but the Health Centre and Northwest LHIN would service the units.
Wall says they have received positive feedback from the government and hope to begin construction this Fall.
He’s hoping for an answer by mid-March, but suggests it makes sense to move forward with the project with or without funding.
