In 1995, the Infrastructure Service was one of the inaugural services offered to First Nations Tribal Councils. The Infrastructure Program originally began as an inspection service for First Nations not affiliated with a tribal council. Over the years as Infrastructure evolved, training for building inspectors, introduction of new building techniques and construction and support for Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) reporting systems came into place. 

Benefits of using the Infrastructure Service: 

  • Inspections provided by certified First Nations inspectors
  • Home inspections completed on time, with follow up reporting by inspectors
  • Empowers housing departments to be self-sufficient
  • Housing stock deficiencies can be identified earlier, to lower costs for maintenance issues
  • Homes will be built to applicable building code standards as qualified by First Nations
  • Higher quality homes built with energy efficiency designs
  • Cleaner air inside of homes
  • Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) reporting completed on time
  • Community expansion plans identified years in advance of building homes

Upcoming Events

student golf fundraiser logo

Student Golf Classic

On Friday, August 26, 2022, we will be holding our annual golf tournament to raise funds for the scholarships we provide with our partner Indspire. There are multiple awards we are raising money for including the Derek Kamanga, Jay Benedict, and Robert Olivier awards and more. $150 Per Golfer or $600 per Foursome Registration includes; 18 holes of golf, cart rental, lunch voucher, and chances to win prizes!

Staff

Chasity Cruz
Chasity has been working with Ontario First Nation Technical Services Corporation since 2015.
Clayton Favot
Clayton currently works as an Infrastructure Specialist at the Ontario First Nations Technical Services Corporation (OFNTSC), working out of the Thunder Bay office, since September of 2018.
Charles Petahtegoose
Charles is an Infrastructure Specialist at OFNTSC and a member of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek.
Nathan Hill
As the Fire Safety Coordinator/Infrastructure Specialist, Nathan assists the OFNTSC in providing technical advisory to all First Nation communities in the province.
Clarence Meekis
Clarence Meekis, Deer Lake First Nation, has worked with the OFNTSC from the Thunder Bay office as an Infrastructure Specialist since 2003.
Jackie Hall
Jackie Hall is an Omushkego Cree from the Fort Albany First Nation and has worked in the First Nation building and construction industry for 18 years. She is an Infrastructure Specialist with OFNTSC.

This service provides:

  • On-site inspections of housing and small buildings, solid fuel-burning appliances, and plumbing installations to ensure that relevant codes and regulations are in compliance.
  • Reporting and recording of inspections per community and/or government program requirements.
  • Reviewing and interpreting plans, blueprints, site layouts, specifications, and construction methods to ensure compliance with code requirements.
  • Advisory services for Unaffiliated First Nation clients on aboriginal housing programs, services and initiatives through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and other government organizations.
  • Advisory services for Unaffiliated First Nations in understanding the level of information required in inventory collection and verification of the ICMS.
  • Ongoing follow-up with clients on the data and recording procedure required annually by Indigenous Services Canada.
  • Assistance and advice for clients in all activities related to the annual or periodic inspections of community facilities and understanding the terminology used in carrying out the Asset Condition Reporting System (ACRS) inspections.
  • Assistance with the planning and development of a Maintenance Management Program related to First Nations Capital Assets.
  • Inspections on new and existing housing at six (6) required stages of construction
  • Support and advice on the First Nations National Reporting Guide (FNNRG), Contract Management and Administration, R2000 program, EnerGuide Rating System, and Energy Star for New Homes, research and advice on new technology and methods of construction and capacity development.