Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte part of partnership bringing more rental units to Belleville

A unique project that will provide new housing for the City of Belleville was officially launched Tuesday.

The former federal building at 1 North Front Street is being converted into rental units through a unique partnership between three Indigenous communities – the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte, Garden River First Nation and Missanabie Cree First Nation – and Summers & Co. Developments.

The launch of Sagonaska Place, January 10, 2023. The former federal building at 1 North Front Street, Belleville will be converted into rental units with completion expected late 2023. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Don Maracle says Sagonaska Place will feature mostly bachelor and one-bedroom apartments with about half of the units dedicated to affordable housing.

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“So it’ll provide 38 more units and the bottom floor will be commercial space that’ll be rented out. And so it addresses a longstanding need. It doesn’t fix it all, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte Chief R. Don Maracle addresses the audience at the launch of Sagonaska Place, the former federal building at 1 North Front Street, Belleville which will be converted into rental units, including several affordable rentals. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

While the rentals will be available to the entire community, Chief Maracle notes that many members of his community choose to live off reserve and this will provide more housing options.

Mayor Neil Ellis says it’s wonderful to add to the city’s housing inventory through this partnership.

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“You see private sector today partnering with not only Chief Maracle, the other chiefs outside our community that brings a luxury but affordable priced condominiums or apartments for our community.”

Financial details have yet to be released but Summers & Co. President and CEO Rick Summers says work will start this month with units expected to be ready late this year.

Interior of the former federal building at 1 North Front Street, Belleville which will be converted into rental units. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

Though some of the units will be deemed affordable, Summers says all apartments will be luxury units with the same features.

Summers adds it will also be a green project most notably by reusing the existing building.

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“And then we’re also doing, we have a beautiful roof, beautiful exposure so we’re going to put solar panels as well. And then we’re also increasing the efficiencies because the building was built in 1990 so we’re increasing energy efficiencies for the windows and insulation, etc.”

Part of the rooftop will also feature a patio.

Rooftop view from the former federal building at 1 North Front Street, Belleville which will be converted into rental units and feature a rooftop patio. (Photo: Alana Cameron/Quinte News)

Summers says they hope to build on the partnership so the plan will be replicated in other areas in the future.