Shawanaga Safe House

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Safety and comfort are so important in difficult times. The Safe House will temporarily provide those crucial conditions for First Nations people escaping physical, mental and emotional violence along the corridor north of Parry Sound. Built by Royal Homes, the Safe House opens in 2023 at the Shawanaga First Nation in Nobel.

“The Safe House came into concept with the growing concern of people, children and youth not able to gain access to a safe place to live for a temporary time period,” said Lisa Geroux, executive director of the Shawanaga First Nation Healing Centre. “It was in the back of our minds to hopefully have one and it came to light with the United Way.”

Royal Homes, a partner with Shawanaga First Nation in delivering prefab housing solutions for the indigenous community, provided the Safe House design answers. The design includes about 1,200 square feet and four bedrooms on the main level, with a large accessible bathroom. One of the bedrooms already includes bunk beds for children.

The Safe House will serve Shawanaga First Nation members, seven First Nations within the northern corridor and the District of Parry Sound. Children, women, men and families facing violent and abusive situations can stay here temporarily while staff work with them to find more permanent solutions to their housing issues.

The location of the Safe House is among its safety features. “It’s tucked away,” Geroux said. “The doors are sturdier. There are security cameras surrounding the building. There are security cameras at the door – and we keep an eye on that.” The wiring for the security cameras was built into the design of the building, its two prefab modules assembled in Royal’s 110,00-square -foot production facility in Wingham. The modules were delivered to Shawanaga First Nation and set by crane on the foundation on August 17, 2021.“Watching it being put together was amazing,” Geroux said.

“The walls are reinforced by Royal Homes, not just regular drywall but reinforced drywall. There’s also washroom accessibility for those who need it.” Working with Royal on such an important project to the community, Geroux says, has been a “great experience.” “They walked me and my team through the whole process,” Geroux said. “I appreciate everything they’ve done.”

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