$7 MILLION TO PRINCE ALBERT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Highways and Transportation Minister and MLA for Prince Albert Northcote Eldon Lautermilch, on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger, today announced that Prince Albert will receive an estimated $7 million for affordable housing initiatives.

This funding is part of the Premier’s plan to revitalize Saskatchewan neighbourhoods with greatest need, which was announced February 23, 2007.

The Premier also announced a commitment of one-time funding from the Department of Community Resources to support food banks across the province.  The Prince Albert Share-A-Meal Food Bank will receive $55,000 to assist the people they serve in their community.

“This funding is about people,” Lautermilch said.  “It ensures that Saskatchewan citizens have homes that promote health, security, dignity and independence.  It also supports the delivery of accessible and nutritious food.  This commitment will see both immediate benefits for the residents of Prince Albert and significant opportunities to build a lasting and sustainable community for our families.”

The $60 million in affordable housing announced in February is being targeted at northern communities and the inner cities of Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and North Battleford.  It marks the single largest expansion of HomeFirst, the provincial government’s five-year housing strategy initiated in 2004.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: lsaliken@cr.gov.sk.ca