Cenovus Energy is extending its Indigenous Housing Initiative to three additional communities, bringing new homes to Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Kikino Métis Settlement and Goodfish (Whitefish) Lake First Nation.

The initiative first launched in 2020 as a five-year, $50 million pilot aimed at addressing housing shortages in Indigenous communities. Cenovus has since revised the programme and confirmed it will continue as an ongoing community investment. The company is committing $8 million annually to support the next phase.

Dustin Meek, manager of Indigenous Business Development and Housing at Cenovus, said the expansion reflects what was learned in earlier stages of the project. One of the key adjustments includes planning housing developments alongside infrastructure requirements to ensure communities are fully prepared before construction begins.

Cenovus is coordinating the work with participating First Nations, Métis communities and Indigenous Services Canada.

Whitefish Lake First Nation Chief Herb Jackson described the initiative’s next steps as a new collaboration that will bring much-needed housing support to the region.

Further details on build schedules and home counts for each community will be released as planning progresses.