North Shore Tribal Council to purchase former Ontario Works building in Sault

A partially vacant downtown building that most recently acted as the home for Ontario Works will be sold to Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council, which represents seven area First Nations, including Batchewana First Nation and Garden River First Nation.

The purchase agreement was announced at the monthly meeting of the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB), held in its new building steps away from the former Ontario Works office building.

"We are so excited about the development and sincerely look forward to our future partnerships with our new neighbours," said DSSAB chair Stephanie Hopkin about the purchase agreement during the meeting.

"This represents a new chapter in our relationship, and being able to work together and working more closely, we will be able to streamline our services and provide more support to our community," said Peyton Pitawanakwat, board chair of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council.

The newly-opened Social Services building currently shares the 540 Albert St. E. address as the former Ontario Works building. DSSAB CEO Mike Nadeau said a severance of the lot has been approved in principle but has yet to be finalized.

The space in the former Ontario Works building will be shared between Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council and Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc., with the shared vision of "working together for the well-being of all."

"By creating a central hub for health services, we aim to facilitate better accessibility, coordination, and quality of care for our members," said Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council in a news release about the purchase agreement. "This centralization will enhance the delivery of culturally safe and holistic healthcare services, benefiting individuals, families, and communities."

See 'Really, really special': New Social Services HQ brings all agencies under one roof

Nadeau said discussions about the sale of the building began when Mamaweswen CEO Allan Moffatt was in the former DSSAB offices discussing homelessness prevention.

"I always like to end a meeting by asking if there is anything else that we can do for you and Allan said 'no, unless you have a building you want to get rid of,'" said Nadeau. "So we started working very closely and, through the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, we were able to approach this in a really beneficial way and I think from a good way."

When asked about the purchase price, Nadeau said the deal has not yet been finalized and some finer details still need to be worked out.

A news release by Mamaweswen about the purchase agreement can be seen below:

Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council (NSTC), Maamweysing North Shore Community Health Services Inc. (MNSCHSI), and the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board are pleased to announce the strategic purchase of the commercial property located at 540 Albert Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our commitment to enhancing the delivery of integrated and high-quality health services to our communities.

NSTC represents seven First Nations: Batchewana FN, Garden River FN, Thessalon FN, Mississauga FN, Serpent River FN, Sagamok Anishnawbek, and Atikameksheng Anishinawbek. The Tribal Council offers advisory services in administration, financial management, emergency management, education, technical services, social assistance, and employment and training. The NSTC Head Office is located in Serpent River FN in Cutler, Ontario.

MNSCHSI services eleven First Nation communities and the Indian Friendship Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. Our First Nation communities include Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, Sagamok Anishnawbek, Serpent River First Nation, Mississauga First Nation, Thessalon First Nation, Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, Michipicoten First Nation, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Chapleau Ojibwe First Nation, and Brunswick House First Nation. MNSCHSI delivers primary and therapeutic health care to individuals in our member communities and the urban Indigenous population in Sault Ste. Marie.

By purchasing the DSSAB building Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council, and Maamwesying North Shore Community Health Services Inc. are committing to their shared vision of "working together for the well-being of all." By creating a central hub for health services, we aim to facilitate better accessibility, coordination, and quality of care for our members. This centralization will enhance the delivery of culturally safe and holistic healthcare services, benefiting individuals, families, and communities.