Bearspaw band officials are looking forward to the launch of a new housing project involving remodeled Sea-Cans in the next couple of weeks.
“First Nations people have had substandard housing for years,” said Rob Shotclose, CEO of the Bearspaw band.
“We have a lot of issues with fire and insurance problems and if you can eliminates the fire risk then it helps with the safety risk as well … I think this project is going to be a nice opportunity to add to our housing stock.”
Bearspaw band officials were approached by Calgary-based company Ladacor Advanced Modular Systems last year to start the pilot program. With funding help from Alberta Innovates Technology Futures, the first remodeled Sea-Can home for a Stoney Nation family will be ready by early fall, according to project managers.
“We have been working in conjunction with the Bearspaw band to make sure the homes have a First Nations specific cultural design. The home will look like a traditional home on the reservation that they used to see,” said Rhys Kane, Ladacor business development manager.
“Part of the home is made with repurposed shipping containers but it will look hidden and that is the clever part.”
Construction on the first 1,280-square-foot, three-bedroom, single-family home with a basement will begin in the next couple weeks. The unconventional steel walls will increase the safety in the home with the fire and mould resistant design, while also increasing durability.
“The Nation is responsible for maintenance on the homes and we wanted to design homes that can withstand the wear and tear on the reserve,” Shotclose explained.
This one of the company’s three residential projects in Alberta, along with a seniors supportive living facility in Hythe and a multi-family infill in Edmonton – all currently under development.
Kane said the company is hopeful once the project launches that other provincial reservations will want to start constructing the shipping container homes on their land.
“So far everything has gone good,” Kane said.
Ladacor First Nations housing project details
- 1,280 sq. ft. 3 bedroom single-family home with basement - First Nations-specific technical and cultural design- Steel non-combustible modular structure- Enhanced durability, fire and mold resistant design
