MOSQUITO GRIZZLY BEAR'S HEAD LEAN MAN FIRST NATION - Mosquito Grizzly Bear's Head Lean Man (MGBHLM) is embarking on a big project to build a 60-housing lot subdivision on the First Nation.
Ground is being broken now for Phase 1, to build the first 15 lots. Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the end of October or early November.
Then, in the summer of 2026, Phase 2 will get underway, to build the remaining 45 lots.
The subdivision will be located behind the band office.
"We're able to fulfill it because we do recognize that people are coming home," Chief Tanya Aguilar-Antiman said.
Funding for the project is covered by Indigenous Services Canada.
"I'm really grateful for Indigenous Services Canada, the engineering team, the project management team and leadership," Aguilar-Antiman said. It's over a $5 million project, and it's 100 per cent covered by Indigenous Services Canada."
The development was 12 years in the making.
The First Nation says on Facebook the project is "paving the way for new homes and stronger community roots... Let's build a future together."
The reason is took so long to prepare for the project was so that the First Nation could first upgrade its lagoon systems and wastewater treatment transfer station.
Now that that is done, the First Nation is able to get started on its subdivision project.
"Now it's official... We're pretty excited about it," Aguilar-Antiman said. "We're really proud to see that come to full fruition."
The next step after the lots are completed is to start building the houses.
"We'll start building houses as we identify completion and identify additional resources to offset costs," Aguilar-Antiman said.
She noted more MGBHLM people are returning to live on the First Nation, so there was a need for more housing options to accommodate them.
"They recognized that many years ago," she said. "So, as leaders, we were able to continue to push for it and support that idea. You know, we're definitely mindful. We already know that many families are coming home."
The First Nation is also looking at projects to provide more opportunities for youth.
One project that is coming is a new pump track skate park that will be completed at the end of August.
