A $3.7 million federal grant is backing a groundbreaking housing development in Ontario’s Six Nations territory, even as its location stirs fierce community backlash. Next Generation Manufacturing Canada, a federal agency under Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada, awarded the funds to Horizon Legacy, a Toronto construction firm deploying robotics to build what’s billed as the country’s largest multi-storey Indigenous housing complex.
But the site selected for the 30-unit, $10 million project also hosts Legacy Farms — a sprawling marijuana operation with over 70 greenhouses — which has become a flashpoint in Six Nations. Residents have condemned the grow-op for its traffic, flooding issues, and alleged community exclusion. The operation is licensed by the Six Nations Cannabis Commission, created by the elected band council outside federal or provincial cannabis laws.
Adding to the controversy, Horizon Legacy did not notify the band council or residents about the housing project — which it legally wasn’t required to do. The building, called Eh ni da se (“new moon” in Cayuga), will use a robotic arm called Val 2.0 to construct load-bearing walls — a Canadian first that could transform housing construction across Indigenous communities, according to Horizon Legacy CEO Nhung Nguyen.
Despite community anger, Nguyen stresses Horizon Legacy has no ties to Legacy Farms, which is owned by Aaron Porter — son of architect Brian Porter, Horizon’s local partner on the project. Brian Porter defended the project, pointing out Six Nations lacks zoning laws and that local landowners frequently build without community consultation.
Still, residents like Nancy Porter, whose family once farmed the land now hosting the development, say the project epitomizes the unchecked growth and secrecy surrounding cannabis and construction in the territory. “Something’s got to give,” she said.
Swifteradio.com
