Federal and Provincial Governments Back Housing Projects Across Saskatchewan

REGINA, Oct. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan are working together to deliver more affordable housing solutions for households in greatest need across Saskatchewan with a new combined investment of over $8.67 million.

This funding will help create over 100 affordable housing units, through 12 new projects in five communities, including:

• $1,425,000 for Souls Harbour ? Samaritan Project in Regina;
• $1,575,000 for Namerind Housing Corporation ? Raising Hope in Regina;
• $400,000 for Habitat for Humanity Haultain Crossing III in Regina;
• $1,724,000 for SaskNative Rentals ? Edwards Manor in Saskatoon;
• $300,000 for Habitat for Humanity Slimmon Road II in Saskatoon;
• $262,500 for The Lighthouse ? Co-Housing Project in Saskatoon;
• $50,000 for a Habitat for Humanity home in Estevan;
• $1,574,214 for two Methy Housing Corporation projects in La Loche;
• $912,000 for affordable housing for seniors in La Loche; and,
• $450,000 for two trades training student builds in La Loche and Île-à-la-Crosse.

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Paul Merriman, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), made the announcement at a groundbreaking ceremony for Samaritan Project, a 17-unit affordable rental housing project for individuals and couples with complex needs.

Quick Facts

• The federal and provincial governments, through CMHC and SHC, are jointly contributing $8.67 million for up to 101 affordable housing units under the Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) Agreement.
• Located at 1610 Angus Street, Samaritan Project will consist of 13 bachelor and 4 one-bedroom units within a larger facility containing a day care, emergency shelter, clothing depot, kitchen and dining room. Samaritan Project will be operated by Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM). The project is adjacent to SHRM's existing development, Harbour House.
• The Samaritan Project will house individuals living with physical or cognitive disabilities, mental illness, and addictions and behavioural disorders who are unable to maintain secure housing without support services.
• This investment supports the Saskatchewan Housing Strategy and Poverty Reduction Strategy goal of ensuring Saskatchewan people have affordable, safe, secure and stable housing.

Quotes

"Without affordable housing, many Canadians cannot make ends meet. It makes it harder to look for work, care for children, and to get a job and keep it. In partnership will all levels of government, the Government of Canada is making major new investments in affordable housing to help those who need it most. These 12 new projects across Saskatchewan will help build a safer and more inclusive province for generations to come, all while creating middle class jobs and driving economic growth." ? Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness  

"Our government is pleased to work with our federal and community partners to provide help and hope to those who need it most here in Regina and in other Saskatchewan communities. The Samaritan Project will not only meet the ever increasing need for the services and supports offered by the Souls Harbour Rescue Mission, but it will also create a community of care and connection for the tenants. Our goal is to keep Saskatchewan strong, and housing is a key part of that vision." ? Honourable Paul Merriman, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for SHC

"Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been making an incredible difference in our community for nearly 30 years. Supportive housing is an area of continual need in Regina, and Samaritan Place will be a life-changing development for those in need of supportive programming." ? His Worship Michael Fougere, Mayor, City of Regina

"For 27 years, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission has been serving the greater community within which we all live. Not only will the Samaritan Project enable us to increase the services that we provide, it is unique in that it ushers in a whole new level of non-profit stewardship. The land itself is a reclaimed brownfield, the facility's design includes green initiatives such as solar energy, and the building itself is being constructed in accordance with "Passive Construction Standards," a first for Regina. We embrace the philosophy of "loving your neighbour as yourself" by providing a continuum of care to those in need, in both an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This would not be possible without the financial support of our donors, the business and church community, all of our major sponsors, the City of Regina, Sask Housing Corporation and CMHC." ? Joseph Miller, Executive Director, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Associated Links:

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• In October 2012, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: Vision 2020 and Beyond, which sets out the Government's vision for a province of 1.2 million people by 2020. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested over $770 million to develop or repair almost 16,000 housing units across our province. To learn more, visit www.saskatchewan.ca.
• Established in 1990, SHRM is a non-profit organization that provides support and emergency relief for people in need in Regina. This includes emergency shelter, affordable rental accommodations, subsidized daycare, meals, clothing, addictions services, rental and support services. To learn more, visit www.shrmsk.com.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation