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The community cultural centre at the Buffalo Lodge, where a grand opening ceremony was held on Friday, June 20, 2025. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Buffalo Lodge now open in Lethbridge with 132 apartments & condos

Jun 20, 2025 | 2:05 PM

The Buffalo Lodge is now open to tenants.

The community of apartment and condo buildings adds 132 new units of housing on a five-acre property at 2901 Stafford Drive North in Legacy Ridge.

Half of the units will be held to affordable rates for at least the next 20 years.

Melissa Many Fingers, Board Chair of the Aboriginal Housing Society, says they are dedicated to creating safe, inclusive homes that reflect Indigenous culture, values and the community

“Through projects like Iinii’toyis, our organization supports Indigenous individuals and families by fostering belonging, independence and a sense of place. With strong collaboration from all levels of government, the society proudly contributes innovative housing solutions during a time of national housing need,” says Many Fingers.

The total cost of the Buffalo Lodge complex, or Iinii’toyis in Blackfoot, is estimated at $37.6 million.

Most of that money came from federal programs, such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s Affordable Housing Program and the National Indigenous Collaborative Housing Incorporation.

The Affordable Housing Program gives low-interest and/or forgivable loans to help build affordable housing and renovate existing affordable and community housing. It gives priority to projects that help people who need it the most, such as women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

Approximately $1.8 million in funding was provided by the City of Lethbridge.

Matthew Picher, the City’s Housing Solutions Coordinator, applauded the creative approach to helping with housing needs.

“Housing is not a sole-jurisdiction issue, so having Federal and Municipal funding support an integral project such as this is critically important for our community,” says Pitcher. “As the national housing crisis continues, it is through meaningful and effective partnerships like these where positive outcomes will continue to occur.”

In addition to the housing spaces, the Buffalo Lodge features an outdoor space and a community cultural centre for its residents.

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