Location: North Bay, Ontario
Completed: 2022
Architect: Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.
Nominated by: Hon. Victor Fedeli, MPP (Nipissing)

What does it mean to build a home? At Suswin Village, the answer is a careful balance of individual autonomy and strong community support that allow residents to grow, learn, and succeed.|

Shaped by the Community, For the Community

Located on North Bay’s Cassells Street, directly across from the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre, Suswin Village holds the distinction of being the first housing project in Canada built and managed by a Friendship Centre, organizations dedicated to supporting urban First Nations, Metis and Inuit People pursuing Mno Bimaadiziwin (a good life).

The three-storey transitional housing project is more than just a place to stay—it’s a community where residents are encouraged to learn, grow, and reconnect with their cultural roots.

From the very beginning, the project’s design was guided by Indigenous values and knowledge. The name “Suswin,” meaning “nest” in Ojibwe, was chosen to reflect the project’s mission. Numerous design elements, from the building’s orientation and eastern entrance to a planting palette that includes black birch and sweetgrass, were done in accordance to Indigenous culture and tradition.

Pushing the building to the north end of the site allowed for a substantial backyard, providing residents opportunities to connect with the land. A fire pit in the garden and a gathering space in the interior allow for the continued practice of sacred traditions—making sure the project not only nourishes the body, but the spirit as well.

Green space located behind the building. Image courtesy of Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.

Indigenous values are even reflected in the most utilitarian elements like its heating and cooling systems. There was an understanding by both architects and clients that the building should tread lightly on the land, giving back as much as it takes.

Suswin Village features geothermal heating—the first of its kind in downtown North Bay—underscoring the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Recognizing the importance of reciprocity when extracting any resource, cedar and tobacco were placed into the boreholes during geothermal installation, a traditional practice that recognizes respect for the Earth, plants, and animals.

Installation of the geothermal system, with members of the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre present. Image courtesy of Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.

Designing for Dignity

While those running the Friendship Centre had never built transitional housing, they knew they wanted a facility that would be more than just a place to stay—it needed to support residents in their journey towards a good life. They visited transitional housing in other cities like Toronto, learning from successes and challenges, and community services were developed alongside the building’s architecture. 

The resulting design is one that is deeply empathetic, prioritizing dignity and autonomy to create a true home for all 30 residents. Residents enter from their own doorway, separate from the public entrance, fostering a sense of independence. The air is often filled with the comforting smell of cooking from the ground floor communal kitchen, enhancing the sense of warmth and belonging. Each resident also enjoys private bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as personal mailboxes and access to mountain bikes, all of which underscore their autonomy and respect as individuals.

Equally important is the sense of community, with the concept of a “social web” central to the operation of Suswin Village. Current residents actively participate in the screening process for new arrivals, helping cultivate a supportive community that looks out for one another. Each individual is assigned to tasks based on their interests and skills, further reinforcing their role within the community. Suswin Village offers some 30 programs, including cultural teachings, skill development workshops, and recreational activities—all designed to help residents transition smoothly into independent living. To support all this, the building’s ground floor is dedicated to community spaces, including workshop and classroom spaces, as well as a space to display art done by residents. 

Interior of a private unit. Image courtesy of Larocque Elder Architects, Architectes Inc.

Suswin Village’s success is grounded by its ability to both embody and foster community, understanding that a home is more than just a building—it’s a place where people can heal and grow. The combination of private, comfortable living spaces with a strong social support network provides residents with the tools they need to succeed. As Willie Daigle, one of the first residents, puts it, “There’s not a day that don’t go by that I don’t say thanks to the building. My gratitude goes out to all the people that were involved in building this building.”

This post is part of the OAA’s Queen’s Park Picks 2024 series, where Ontario’s Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) were encouraged to nominate a building in their riding for a chance to learn more about it. This year, MPPs were asked to consider various typologies related to housing when making their suggestion, tying into the 2024 OAA Conference theme, Housing: Pushing the Envelope. Check out the rest of the series to learn more about great buildings across the province.