Sault Ste. Marie Approves Multimillion-Dollar Tax Break for New Apartment Complex

120-unit development to offer affordable housing for Sagamok First Nation members and other local residents

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:15pm

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The City of Sault Ste. Marie is set to provide significant financial incentives, including a tax increment equivalent grant worth between $2.75 million and $3.1 million over 10 years, as well as $246,988 in building permit fee rebates, to support the construction of a new 120-unit apartment complex. The project, owned by the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, will offer 50 affordable housing units to both Sagamok members living off-reserve and other Sault Ste. Marie residents in need of housing stability.

Why it matters

The city's support for this project aims to address persistent barriers that have historically constrained First Nations-led development, including access to capital. The affordable housing units will help provide secure housing, which is fundamental to health, wellbeing, and long-term prosperity for the local community.

The details

The new apartment complex will consist of three four-story, 40-unit buildings, totaling 120 purpose-built rental units. Of these, 50 will be designated as affordable housing. The unit mix will include 54 one-bedroom and 66 two-bedroom apartments. The owner, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, has indicated the units will be offered to both Sagamok members living off-reserve and non-member residents of Sault Ste. Marie who need housing stability.

  • The city council meeting to approve the financial incentives will be held on Monday, January 31, 2026.

The players

Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation

The owner of the new 120-unit apartment complex project, which will offer affordable housing to both Sagamok members living off-reserve and other Sault Ste. Marie residents in need of housing stability.

Joseph Cocchetto

An official from the City of Sault Ste. Marie's housing support department, who is recommending the financial incentives for the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation's apartment complex project.

Matthew Shoemaker

The mayor of Sault Ste. Marie, who will be considering the financial incentives proposal for the apartment complex project at the upcoming city council meeting.

Angus Toulouse

The chief of the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation, who has written a letter to the city highlighting the importance of the financial support in overcoming barriers to First Nations-led development.

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What they’re saying

“Secure housing is fundamental to health, wellbeing, and long-term prosperity.”

— Angus Toulouse, Chief, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation

“Funding support to offset development costs and increase access to capital, such as the financial incentive programs under the City of Sault Ste. Marie's Community Improvement Plan, play a critical role in overcoming this barrier.”

— Angus Toulouse, Chief, Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation

What’s next

The city council will vote on the proposed financial incentives for the apartment complex project at their meeting on Monday, January 31, 2026.

The takeaway

This project represents a significant collaboration between the City of Sault Ste. Marie and the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation to address the persistent challenges that have historically constrained First Nations-led development, including access to capital. The city's financial support will help enable the construction of much-needed affordable housing units for both Sagamok members and other local residents in need of housing stability.