There is a new Housing Training Program for Ready-To-Move Houses (RTMs). This training program, developed by Peguis Development Corporation in partnership with Springhill Lumber and Peguis Training and Employment.
Take a drive by the Peguis Band Shop and you will see the 8 new RTMs being constructed onsite with 32 trades people working diligently to complete these RTMs with quality products and workmanship under the guidance and direction of our own housing staff, all trades including 4 red seal carpenters, 3 red seal electricians & 2 red seal plumbers. These 8 new RTMs are being built for Springhill Lumber.
The crews have completed the various safety-training programs and approx. 30 trades people are registered with the apprentice program to earn their Red Seal designation. A record enrolment and a true commitment to the self-development of the crew and long-term sustainability of housing for Peguis First Nation.
“It’s good to be back on the job and to be out working again after 6 months without work,” said foreman Jeremy Thompson, a contractor for one of the RTMs.
Peguis’ housing wait list is well over 600 units and we are in critical state for families to be housed in quality housing.
Chief and Council have submitted a proposal to the Surrender Claim Trust in July 2015 for construction of 50 houses, 10 of these RTMs and 40 stick-built. The Project costs is $13 million with $3 million of this being requested from the Peguis Trust Fund. The balance will be covered through financing arrangements of Section 10 – Ministerial Loan Guarantee, Peguis Housing Fund $ 3.2 million, the Peguis Capital Fund $ 1.5 million, and other sources i.e. bank financing. Once the Trustees approve the proposal, the Peguis Band Shop will be ready to start building!
The crews will be trained and ready to build all new RTMs for Peguis First Nation, Springhill and any new housing contracts that are awarded to Peguis First Nation.
