FNHC 2020

INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND PROJECT PLANNING

Introduction

• Walter Manitowabi, Managing Partner, Three Fires Solutions• Odawa, Wiikwemkoong FN, Mnidoo Mnising, Ontario, Canada• Certified Management Accountant by trade• Served my FN as Chief and Band Councillor• Band Manager for Wiikwemkoong• CEO with the Anishinabek Nation – Union of Ontario Indians• Partner in large retail operation – Andrew Manitowabi Group• Housing Specialist – Linda Eshkawkogan, 30 years experience

Discussion Outline

• What is Property Management / CMHC• The Wiikwemkoong Story• Property Management in Wiikwemkoong• Tools for Effective Property Management• New Approaches to Project Planning• Supporting First Nations Housing Staff• Closing

The Wiikwemkoong Story

• Large First Nation located on Mnidoo Mnising – Manitoulin Island• Registered population of 8,326 – of which 3,500 live in the FN• Housing stock consists of 1233 units in total

• Band Capital Housing 325• Band Rentals 40• Rent-to-Own 18• CMHC Rentals 499• Private Homeowners 351

• Started CMHC in 1970s with Nursing Home and Teacherages, Section 10 Loans• CMHC Section 95 in 1994 with 12 unit project – 6 SFD and 6plex• Now into 40th Project at 499 units

The Wiikwemkoong Story

• Developed a detailed Needs Assessment and Housing Inventory in 1994 and updated regularly• Demographics, Housing Inventory, Overcrowding, Backlog (750 units)• Priority List – Combination of SFD and multiple units, renovations• Backlog is still 700 plus today

• Construction Management• 100% local labour and trades• New construction techniques with local design

• ICF Foundation in exterior walls (better r-value, tighter building envelope, lower mtnce)• Multi units (30plex, 10 plex, 8 plex, 6 plex, 4 plex, 3 plex, semis)

• New technologies• In-floor heating systems, hvacs, wood pellet stoves and furnaces, solar panels, steel roofing,

steel siding.

What is Property Management?

• Property Management is the operation, control, maintenance, and oversight of real estate and physical property. Management and owners require the assets to be cared for and monitored, with accountability for and attention to its useful life and condition considered. (Wikipedia).• Financial Management and Facility Management• Rent collection, subsidy receipt, loan payments, vendor and operating cost

payments, financial statements, reporting• Physical inspections, maintenance and repairs, major repairs and

renovations, custodial and grounds maintenance• CMHC Overview

Property Management in Wiikwemkoong

• Established Property Management Office in 1995• Today have 8 full time staff• Tenant relations – applications, intakes, rental agreements, rental collection

and arrears, work orders for maintenance, financial assistance, office administration

• Maintenance Staff – work orders, regular maintenance, movie in and out, regular inspections, custodial of multi-unit bldgs., grounds keeping

• Administration• Financial Mgmt – rent collection, arrears, operations and maintenance costs• Relations with Other FN Depts – Finance, Ontario Works, Housing Construction• Reporting to Funding Agencies• Software – AIS and ACCPAC• Excel Spreadsheets and Databases

Tools for Effective Property Management

• Establish Specific Property Management Structure for FN Needs• Well Defined Housing Policy and Rental Management Regime

• Community Developed and Approved• All about the system and the staff

• Organizational Structure, Staffing, Relations amongst departments• Terms of Reference / Roles and Responsibilities / Charts / Workflow Diagrams

• Software Development and Implementation• Property Management Software – AIS, Housing Inf Mgmt Sys• ACCPAC/ Excel/ Database

• Records and File Management – Digital Storage and Retrieval• Training and Development of Staff and Committee• On-going Development and Enhancements• Engaging external advisors where needed – funding and financing

New Approaches To Project Planning:

• Community support needed to implement new direction, as rental programs are welcomed, social housing increased, and new loan programs are being utilized• Develop detailed Needs Assessment based on current and future

requirements – demographics, current housing stock, backlogs• Develop strategic vision and strategic plan – 5 and 10 year Strategic

Housing Plan• New Construction Methods to build better homes and cost effective• Innovative project financing for energy retrofits – energy upgrades and

retrofits• Consultation and reporting to community is a must

Supporting First Nation Housing Staff

• Provide professional advisory services to FN C&C, Housing Committees and Housing Staff with tools necessary to effectively manage its operations• Assist in conducting housing needs assessments to get a clear picture

of current and future needs• Assist in establishing an effective property management system to

better manage your housing assets over the long term• Implementation of management tools and training • Ongoing support

Closing

• Chi-Miigwech for participating and your input• Questions ??

Walter Manitowabi, Managing PartnerThree Fires Solutions2174 Wikwemikong WayWiikwemkoong, OntarioP0P2J0705-303-8344