District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) work together to get housing projects in 10 communities shovel ready.

NORTHERN ONTARIO – Northern Ontario communities are joining forces to create 609 new affordable homes. The planned housing units are the result of an unprecedented regional effort to tackle one of the North’s most pressing municipal priorities.
Members of the Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) have pooled resources to create the first phase of a new housing pipeline that has seen early planning work performed for projects in 10 communities: Timmins, Matheson, Iroquois Falls, North Bay, Verner, Parry Sound, Sault Ste. Marie, Fort Frances, Massey and Kenora.

The portfolio includes a proposed development in Fort Frances that could deliver up to 58 new housing units.

“New rental housing that is affordable for young professionals, seniors and families is urgently needed across the Rainy River District,” said Andrew Hallikas, Vice Chair of the District of Rainy River Services Board. “That’s why we have partnered with DSSABs through the NOSDA Housing Portfolio Project. Communities across the North have demonstrated they are prepared to move these projects forward, and partnerships across all orders of government will be essential to turn that readiness into new homes.”

A planned second phase with homes in additional communities is about the same size, bringing the total pipeline to 1,200 housing units.

NOSDA is working closely with other orders of government to ensure these homes are built. Across the North, work is underway to prepare the sites, complete designs and finalize other pre-construction activities on the first phase of projects. Projects will require final approval by local DSSAB Boards and confirmation of necessary funding before proceeding to construction.

“We’re nearing the finish line on a remarkable effort that will help tackle a top municipal issue across Northern Ontario,” said Fern Dominelli, Executive Director of NOSDA. “Instead of communities trying to solve the same problem independently, Northern Ontario has come together. We’ve pooled our projects, our expertise and our resources to create the scale needed to get housing built.”

The pipeline will deliver an economic boost at an important time for the region.

Construction will put Northern Ontario trades and suppliers to work and generate demand for Ontario-made steel, lumber and other building materials as Northern communities contend with the effects of U.S. tariffs and trade uncertainty

It will also satisfy the need for more housing to grow mining, critical minerals, manufacturing and other industries central to Ontario’s economic autonomy.

“This is Northern Ontario communities solving a Northern Ontario problem together,” said Dominelli. “We’ve laid the groundwork. Our focus now is securing partnerships and completing the work needed to make these projects construction ready for 2027.”

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About DRRSB:
The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) delivers essential services to communities across the Rainy River District. Its programs include Ontario Works, Children’s Services, Housing and Homelessness Prevention, and Paramedic Services. Guided by compassion, collaboration and innovation, the DRRSB works with municipalities, First Nations, other community partners to support people and strengthen communities throughout the district. Learn more at: www.rrdssab.ca

About NOSDA:
The Northern Ontario Service Deliverers Association (NOSDA) is a non-profit association that represents 10 District Social Services Administration Boards (DSSABs) and the City of Greater Sudbury. DSSABs are local government bodies that deliver essential services like affordable housing and homelessness prevention, paramedics services, childcare and social assistance across Northern Ontario. Learn more about NOSDA here: www.nosda.net