A Métis community in northern Albertan reported this week that it is facing a severe housing shortage.

On Wednesday, the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee (CRDAC) held a press conference in Edmonton to address the current housing crisis happening in Conklin, a hamlet in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), 155 km southeast of Fort McMurray.

CRDAC reported that a recent survey noted that 86 per cent of Conklin's roughly 229 residents are housing insecure. Most homes lack running water and power and lots have black mold on both the inside and outside.

Grace Richards, membership director of Conklin Community Association and CRDAC Board Director, is a longtime resident in Conklin who has chosen to stay in her community despite the living conditions. She moved back home from Fort McMurray a decade ago and started living in a trailer as a temporary solution, she says. Now, she still lives in that trailer, which lacks the basic necessities like running water. This motivated her to join CRDAC and advocate for better living in her community for herself, and the rest of Conklin residents.

Richards, along with the rest of CRDAC and the residents of Conklin, hope the press conference will raise awareness about the issues the community is facing, and that there will be solutions to address them.

In a statement on Nov 29, the RMWB said “we are deeply concerned about the ongoing housing crisis in Conklin. The municipality recognizes the frustration expressed by community leaders and residents with the process involving all levels of government and commits to prioritizing and supporting housing efforts in the community.”

Grace Richards, Membership Director of Conklin Community Association & CRDAC Board Director, shows the home she lives in year-round currently. Photo by Ryan Hunt.

CFWE will be following this story.

Listen to the CFWE interview with Grace Richards below: