Cenovus Energy is allocating $50 million to help combat the housing issues facing six northern Alberta Indigenous communities.

The oil company will provide $10 million every year over the next five years to help build homes in the communities that are near their Christina Lake and Foster Creek projects.

This includes in Janvier and Conklin.

“In addition to creating training and employment opportunities and funding the construction of new houses, Cenovus will also work with communities to raise awareness about the Indigenous housing shortage and help advocate for solutions,” said Alex Pourbaix, Cenovus President & CEO.

This is the largest community investment every undertaken by Cenovus.

The company is currently working with leaders from the six groups to help find the most effective ways of delivering new homes based on the specific needs of each community.

In Conklin, housing has become a major issue as roughly one-third of the community is dealing with unstable living conditions.

“Housing is a critical need for Conklin, and we are so pleased that Cenovus has come forward to help our community address this issue,” said Val Quintal, Board member with the Conklin Resource Development Advisory Committee.

Cenovus expects that roughly 200 homes will be built over the next five-years.