NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT IN PRINCE ALBERT

Ten low-income families will have access to quality, affordable housing with the development of five new duplexes in Prince Albert.

The $1.2 million project was made possible by the federal and provincial governments and the River Bank Development Corporation, a non-profit organization.

"The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most," said Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "Through this investment we are stimulating the local economy and creating jobs. We are also making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in Prince Albert who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves."

"This is going to be a welcome addition to Prince Albert," MLA for Prince Albert Carlton Darryl Hickie said, on behalf of Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. "We're building brighter futures for families by creating additional affordable housing for people in Saskatchewan."

The federal and provincial governments will each contribute $465,000 to the project. The River Bank Development Corporation, through a mortgage and "in kind" contributions, will make up the rest.

The project consists of the construction of five three-bedroom duplexes, for a total of 10 units. Work will be completed in April 2010.

In addition, the Government of Saskatchewan is giving conditional approval to the construction of a separate eight-unit complex, to accommodate youth-at-risk with chronic mental illness. The Canadian Mental Health Association will receive nearly $680,000 through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation's Rental Development Program and the federal Affordable Housing Trust to finance the $1.2 million project.

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For more information, contact:

Kim Jones
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-3048

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246