Modifications to Multi-Dwelling tenant charges announced

05/16/2011

The Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke (MCK) announced that Chief & Council have agreed to changes to the rates charged to tenants of the Multi-Dwelling housing program (the �town apartments�). Effective on 1 Ohiari�k�:wa/July, tenants will be responsible for payment of hydroelectricity consumption/billing.

In the past, $100 per month was included in the cost of the monthly rental fee, which will remain at $385.

�I support these changes 100 percent,� said Housing Portfolio Chief Martin Leborgne. �The rents are very reasonable, to say the least. In effect, only the people living at the Multi-Dwelling units receive this subsidy � which isn�t fair. The program is running a $60,000 deficit this year. This should help reduce the deficit so that more people can be helped in the long run.�

The units were recently upgraded to provide better energy efficiency.

The Social Development Unit will ensure that any tenants who need help to manage their affairs will receive the necessary assistance from their staff.

The changes were brought to Chief & Council for approval today and were passed, with Chiefs Johnny Montour, Carl Horn and Lloyd Phillips objecting.

The Multi-Dwelling housing units/apartments are community-owned and administered by the Mohawk Council of Kahnaw�:ke�s Social Development Unit.