$1.1 MILLION FIRST NATION HOUSING PROJECT UNDERWAY IN SASKATOON

Families will have greater access to affordable housing in Saskatoon following the announcement today of the One Arrow First Nation 15-unit rental housing project made possible by the province's Neighbourhood Revitalization Initiative.

As part of this $1.1 million project, an existing apartment building has been purchased in Pleasant Hill, an inner-city neighbourhood in Saskatoon, and renovations have now begun.

"The creation of more quality, affordable housing is one of the ways we are building a better future for all Saskatchewan families," Labour Minister David Forbes said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Kevin Yates. "The vision of HomeFirst 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."

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $891,000 toward the total project cost of $1.1 million, with the remainder to come from the One Arrow First Nation and municipal sources. The City of Saskatoon regards this project as a valuable initiative and has already contributed under the Enterprise Zone Initiatives. The City of Saskatoon is looking forward to considering the project as part of the City's Innovative Housing Program.

Eligible tenants of the refurbished units will be low- to moderate-income households.

"We are pleased to partner with the province to provide more quality, affordable housing for First Nations who are living in Saskatoon," One Arrow First Nation's Chief Dwayne Paul said. "As a result of this project, 15 families and individuals will have a better quality of life and a place they can call home."

The project consists of one bachelor caretaker unit, six one bedroom units and eight two-bedroom units. Most of the new tenants should be able to move in sometime this winter.

One Arrow First Nation is a Cree First Nation and member of the Saskatoon Tribal Council, with its reserve located about 90 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon. One Arrow First Nation also has an urban reserve in Saskatoon at 20th Street and Avenue P, which is being used for commercial development.

Cress Housing Corporation of Saskatoon, a registered non-profit and charitable organization, will be the property manager of the project. Cress serves as the equivalent of a housing authority for the Saskatoon Tribal Council and now manages more than 230 low-income rental properties in the Saskatoon area.

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For more information, contact:

Trudy Jackson
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-537-2879