AUDIO: Alderville First Nation Chief discuss priorities into next term

Alderville First Nation Chief Taynar Simpson with Prmine Minister Mark Carney. Photo courtesy of Taynar Simpson Facebook.

By: Dan Jones, Northumberland 89.7 FM News, Local Journalism Initiative.

Taynar Simpson has been returned as Chief of the Alderville First Nation. His focus entering the election was to continue to explore economic development on the reserve, increase access to housing options, including home ownership and completing the purchase of 2000 acres of land and eventually turning that into reserve land.

With housing, Simpson says the First Nation has been building more rental units, renovating purchased homes and securing a mortgage program, which will allow citizens to own a home in Alderville. The land purchase of 1600 acres near Haliburton will not be included in economic development as it is conservation focus, with opportunity for land-based, traditional programs.