$600,000 AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT FOR NORTH BATTLEFORD

Eight North Battleford families will have access to quality, affordable rental housing with the announcement today of a $600,000 project under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP).

The project involves the acquisition and renovation of eight single-family dwellings in North Battleford.

"Canada's New Government is committed to helping create new affordable housing across Saskatchewan for those who need it most," said the Honourable Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "This project will help many lower-income North Battleford families access quality, affordable housing and start a new page in their lives."

The project was made possible by the Government of Canada contribution of $200,000 through CAHP.

The Government of Saskatchewan contributed $160,000, and the City of North Battleford contributed $40,000 to match the federal contribution.

"This project will provide eight affordable rental units for families in a supportive and appropriate setting near schools and services," Health Minister Len Taylor said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Kevin Yates. "The creation of more quality, affordable housing is one of the ways we are building a better future for the people of Saskatchewan. The vision of HomeFirst, our provincial housing strategy, is that all citizens have homes that promote health, dignity, security and independence, and that enhance the social and economic well-being of our communities."

"This project enables those who have been tenants to acquire their own home, giving them the chance to experience the pride and the feeling of independence and self satisfaction that owning their own home can bring," North Battleford Mayor Julian Sadlowski said. "The My First Home project is one that invests in the future of our families in this city, and we are more than pleased to be involved in such a meaningful project."

The project is being undertaken by My First Home Inc. of North Battleford, a non-profit corporation, which will provide the remainder of the project funding in the form of mortgage financing of up to $200,000 ($25,000 per unit).

"Through this project, My First Home hopes to accomplish two goals," My First Home Project coordinator Rick Cann said. "First, to provide safe, affordable housing to those in need in North Battleford; and second, to provide housing to longer-term tenants and to work with these tenants by providing mentorship, training and stability in the hope that these individuals will then be encouraged and make the move to home ownership."

My First Home has already purchased four single-family dwellings and has an offer on one more. Once renovated, the affordable rental units will be made available to families with two or more children. The dwellings are located close to primary and secondary schools and other community amenities. The units will be renovated to include new windows, upgraded insulation, and energy-efficient furnaces, where required.

CAHP is funded under the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement. It provides approximately $33 million in federal funding for affordable housing, which is matched by the Government of Saskatchewan, municipalities and other partners. With these matching contributions, more than $66 million will be committed by 2007-08 for affordable housing.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246

Kimberlee Jones
CMHC
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-3048

Jim Toye
City of North Battleford
North Battleford
Phone: 306-445-1727