Latest housing development near Point Pelee National Park marks another milestone for the Caldwell community, which regained reserve status in 2020.
As Caldwell First Nation begins construction of the next phase of its on-reserve housing development, its leader says the project is part of a long-term plan to rebuild a community for future generations.
“There’s clearly a limit on how many homes can be put on 200 acres,” Caldwell First Nation Chief Nikki van Oirschot told the Star.
“But having said that, our community is around 500 people, many of which live in parts of the United States and other provinces and further out. So the good thing is, we have a lot of time ahead of us to plan thiThe new housing marks another milestone for the community, which regained reserve status in 2020. Van Oirschot said the growth reflects years of effort and persistence from community members.
“It’s another milestone for us, just adding to the current 28 homes, bringing it up to 44. It’s indicative of the growth that we’re experiencing and what we’re supposed to be doing as a community.”s.”
“We’re extremely excited about this,” she said.
The property, located near Point Pelee National Park and surrounded by the Municipality of Leamington between Seacliff Drive and Bevel Line Road, was acquired following a $105-million land claim settlement in 2010.
Construction on Phase Two began Tuesday. The 16 new homes will bring the total number of residential units on the reserve to 44.
Workers have started setting up fencing and signage around the construction area.
The newest homes are expected to be move-in ready by the fall of 2026.
This development includes two-, three- and five-bedroom homes. The first phase completed last year provided one- and two-bedroom units.
Many Caldwell members are interested in returning to live on their reserve, said van Oirschot. Their housing needs range from smaller units to larger family homes.
She estimated around 70 people are currently living on the reserve.
“We have so many people who are wanting to move back,” she said.
“They’ve got growing families, and their needs are increasing for some and decreasing for others. But this set goes from two- to five-unit houses, so people with children, larger families, can actually apply and be living on reserve right now.”
She estimated around 70 people are currently living on the reserve.
“We have so many people who are wanting to move back,” she said.
“They’ve got growing families, and their needs are increasing for some and decreasing for others. But this set goes from two- to five-unit houses, so people with children, larger families, can actually apply and be living on reserve right now.”
Construction will be carried out by Shore Construction Management of Fingal, Ont., and Petite Homes of Windsor.
Beyond housing, van Oirschot said Caldwell First Nation’s long-term plan also includes community centres, employment opportunities and other amenities.
The current phase is being funded through a combination of revenue generated by Caldwell’s gas station and funding from the federal government.
The band’s leader said Caldwell First Nation is also planning beyond the current phase, with future housing developments already being considered based on projected needs over the next decade.
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“We definitely have future phases that are … being contemplated based on what our needs are today, and projecting those needs out for the next five to 10 and beyond years,” said van Oirschot.
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“For Caldwell, this is not just about construction. It’s the continuation of such a long journey of rebuilding our nation on our own land with care for the past, sacrifices and future generations.
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“We always have to be mindful of who came before us, what they’ve endured to get us to this point, and also thinking about those future generations and what their needs might be.”