HOUSING REPORT – MARCH 2012 Department has been busy with the set-‐up and implementation of new Housing software that has been purchased in order to streamline operations. This new software will enable housing to provide accurate information regarding current housing stock. This will also enable us to become more efficient with the maintenance requirements of the housing stock and within regards to scheduling and reporting. Housing has met with Chief and Council within regards to recommendations for the New Housing Policy that is currently Draft 7. Rent Collection and Arrears are of great concern and recommendations are being forwarded to Chief and Council by April 12/2012. Some Community suggestions to resolve the Rent issue:
Loss of Maintenance Services – such as: 1) No Garbage pick-‐up. 2) No snow removal on private driveways. 3) No wood delivery to Tenants/ loss of water service. 4) Loss of access to other McLeod Lake Indian Band benefits.
These recommendations will be enforced before the final step of EVICTION is to happen. Please be advised that Annual Income Verification must be completed to assist with the issue of arrears. In housing we are working on reviewing current tenant’s arrears amounts and solutions to this problem. In order for Tenant’s to be Accountable to the McLeod Lake Indian Band we are willing to publish the names of the Tenants who are in Arrears with Housing. Perhaps if every Band member is aware of who is responsible for the arrears, they may all work together to resolve this issue. We are a Community, let’s work together so that we can build more houses in the future. All my Relations, Elizabeth Cooper Social Housing Coordinator.