GDNP Services
We believe that community-based supports through an on-site hub which facilitates ongoing connections is vital in providing housing stability. At GDNPH residents should feel empowered in a place where ideas are valued, voices are heard, and individuals are treated with respect through a self governance model that reinforces reciprocity.
Community collaboration has been identified as crucial in defining social and ceremonial activities that inspire long term commitments to housing stability within a supportive space. A community activity calendar is used to collaboratively establish tenant driven culturally significant programs and services. An event checklist is used to organize events that incorporate tenant engagement through voluntary roles preparing and implementing gatherings, initiatives, and workshops. Access to support services is enhanced through "on-site" consultation services that provide a range of options for health, wellness, and self sufficiency through a community based culturally relevant Indigenous partnership network.
Residents have opportunities for Health, Legal, Financial Literacy, and Continuing Educations experiences that are balanced with family routines for ease of access at varying times on site. Community members have opportunities for individual counselling support through a dedicated Community Support Manager who links them with related agencies and opportunities. Community members come together to share solutions to live healthy lives, find meaningful work, celebrate and flourish transforming their living environment through innovative experiences that are culturally specific and are focused on Mind, Spirit, Body, and Emotion in an Indigenous specific philosophy of balance.
The intergenerational design of the GDNPH model ensures that Indigenous community members collaboratively plan empowerment-oriented initiatives focused on a strength-based model whereby participants are supported by all. Residents include traditional knowledge and wisdom carriers, recognized Elders, language speakers, ceremonial singers, and dancers along with artists (to name a few). Dedicated schools (with Indigenous specific programming) through the TDSB are within walking distance have served the community for decades emphasizing languages, cultures, and traditions.
Updated communication "boards" within the community in addition to a website that consistently shares ongoing events and opportunities along with a community newsletter informing tenants of upcoming experiences and additional supports/funds that are available within the GTA. Community supports on site have inspired young and old to consider GDNPH as a safe, supportive environment, fondly referenced as the "GDNP village".
The Cherise Building
Wauseyah – The Cherise Building – 140 Galloway Road-
Gabriel Dumont Non-Profit Homes (Metro Toronto) Inc. submitted for a Rapid Housing Initiative that proposed the development of new affordable housing units on and adjacent to our site at 4201 & 4203 Kingston Road. Funding through a Rapid Housing Initiative for the creation of a new building. The project has received significant government funding to date from the City of Toronto and the federal government. The City of Toronto committed $950K in capital funding in 2021 through their “Open Door” program and granted the project waivers of planning, building and development fees and charges valued at $3.5M. The City of Toronto has also provided $3,527,680 in HAF funds. Through the City of Toronto, the Provincial Government has provided $5,472,320 in BFF funds. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has committed $60K in predevelopment Seed funding and $28M in capital funding through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) through the program’s Cities Stream where municipal-supported projects are awarded full capital funding to enable them to be constructed and occupied
GDNP engaged a highly qualified team of consultants to assist in moving this project forward including SHS Inc. (operating as SHS Consulting) who are the development consultants. Additionally, Hilditch Architect Inc. was engaged to develop the concept plan. Both firms have been working in the affordable housing space for over 40 years.
The vision, design and approval for all elements of the Wauseyah Building follow a self governance model and therefore a design committee is in place with Indigenous community members determining the outcome of all decisions. The funding was set in place in 2023, and community consultations took place
Throughout 2023. In May 2024, a naming ceremony was held, and the new lodge was honoured as Wauseyah – The Cherise Building. (Wauseyah is an Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe/Algonquin) word meaning “bright light,” It is often used to describe the first light from the rising sun). Naming of Wauseyah was provided by Albert Owl. Albert is from Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation in Ontario. He is known for his work in language revitalization, sharing stories and teaching in the community, and for his role as a language consultant, Language Elder and current resident of GDNP. GDNPH led a significant tree ceremony in the Fall of 2025 to honour the trees that would be taken through the build. The intent is for the tree to be used within the new building in a place of honour to commemorate its life and ongoing gifts to the community.
Traditional elements will be incorporated in the building including connections to the land through visual lines and intentional outdoor spaces and places. Gathering spaces will be including in the building and connections to the sacred fire space will be enhanced through the provision of a kitchen area for feasting. The building should be ready for occupancy in the Summer of 2027. Applications for tenancy will be accepted in the Fall of 2026.