Cecil Bellrose Manor to add 127 new homes to affordable housing stock

A new affordable housing development will soon be opening its doors in the Village at Griesbach.

The 127-unit project, estimated to cost about $50 million, will offer affordable housing to low-income Indigenous families with a particular focus on women and children.

Cecil Bellrose Manor, named in honour of the late Cecil Bellrose, a leader and former elected official of the Métis Nation of Alberta, now known as the Otipemisiwak Métis Government: The Government of the Métis Nation Within Alberta, expects to welcome its first residents this spring.

“We are extremely grateful for the collaborative partnerships with the City of Edmonton, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and Canada Lands Company, which have made this project possible,” said Valerie Quintal, secretary of housing for the Otipemisiwak Métis Government. “This development is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to provide safe, affordable and inclusive housing for Métis families, especially those who need it most. We are excited to see it come to life.”

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The project broke ground in late summer 2023, with construction starting shortly afterwards.

“It is deeply fulfilling to witness the realization of this housing initiative, which will provide vital support to an essential part of our community – women and children” said Métis Capital Housing Corporation board member, Audrey Poitras. “I am confident that our former provincial council member, Cecil Bellrose, would be incredibly honoured to have his name associated with a project that held such profound significance to him.”

There will be one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom units, with 42 of the 127 being barrier free — of those 42, 10 will be barrier-free automated units.

The 10 fully automated barrier-free units are equipped with technology to support the needs of families dealing with more acute physical barriers, said Quintal. Suite lighting is automated, kitchen appliances are automated, and washrooms are barrier-free with fully automated, more robust features. The other 32 barrier-free suites accommodate larger space and suitable kitchen and laundry appliances to support the needs of families dealing with physical barriers.

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Unit sizes range from 620 square feet to 1,400 sq. ft.

Rent will be set at 79 per cent of the city of Edmonton’s maximum allowable rental rates, ensuring it remains accessible to families who need it most, officials said. “We are analysing applications to determine a suitable rent collection for each bedroom size,” said Quintal.

The building’s first floor will feature a childcare facility, which when opened, will be able to welcome up to 48 children immediately — it’s expected to take another three to four months to complete. The goal is to a capacity of 72 within five years for the early learning childhood centre. The program will feature culturally safe learning for children and will include an outdoor space for land-based learning and offer traditional food as well.

Cecil Bellrose Manor will also include a community kitchen, an all-purpose room and a gym.

“The need for affordable housing with added onsite support is significant,” said Quintal. “We see many households dealing with physical, mental, and emotional barriers, which ultimately impact their housing situation. This type of housing solution gives a hand up to families who are in a vulnerable state otherwise.”

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The building is aimed to meet current and future demand, and Quintal said they have a waiting list of citizens searching for affordable housing.

“Cecil Bellrose was the president of Region 4 of the Métis Nation of Alberta for 22 years,” said Quintal. “He stood for Métis rights, self-determination and creating more housing opportunities for our people. He believed that a home is more than four walls, it’s a place of safety, of belonging, and of stability. He felt that when you give families a solid foundation, you give them the tools to build a better life. That is exactly what the Cecil Bellrose Manor represents.”

CMHC contributed $ 6.36 million to the project, the City of Edmonton contributed $8.20 million and the Métis Nation of Alberta’s Housing Accord funding covered the remainder.

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