NEW REGINA INNER-CITY DEMONSTRATION HOME OPENS ITS DOORS

An innovative and affordable demonstration home opened its doors in Regina's North Central neighbourhood today. Through its design and construction, the unique home has numerous advancements that make it sustainable, energy efficient, affordable, accessible, and allow it to meet the standards of Healthy Housing™.

Through the stimulus of the Regina Inner City Community Partnership, the Demonstration House came to life out of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments, the City of Regina, and Ehrlo Community Services. Many local businesses and other members of the housing community participated in the project as well, providing sweat equity and in-kind contributions.

"We are taking important strides towards reinvigorating the Regina's inner city community," Finance Minister Ralph Goodale said on behalf of Labour and Housing Minister Joe Fontana. "The Government of Canada is committed to helping build stronger communities by working in partnership with local people and local groups to make sure lower-income individuals get the quality, affordable housing they need."

"This demonstration house provides the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation with the opportunity to determine the potential application of these unique design features to our housing programs," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "We are excited to be part of the project team."

"This project is another great example of different levels of government and community working together to improve living conditions and quality of life for Regina's residents," Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "Investing in the Regina Inner City Community Partnership's Demonstration House project clearly reflects City Council's long range vision to see a city that is attractive, generous, affordable, accessible, compact and competitive."

"It's been a pleasure to work on such an interesting and valuable project with so many partners contributing to the project," Ranch Ehrlo President and CEO Dr. Geoff Pawson said. "We believe that suitable, affordable, accessible housing is essential to a person's well-being, and consequentially to the well-being of our communities. We're proud to see this house take shape in Regina's inner city."

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) provided $14,750 in funding under the Affordable Housing Initiative, in addition to contributing the Healthy Housing™ and FlexHousing™ concepts and designs. The project also received $30,000 in funding from the Government of Canada's Urban Aboriginal Strategy, $19,500 in funding from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, $10,000 from the City of Regina and $5,000 from Ehrlo Community Services. All stakeholders also made in-kind contributions, with staff time and expertise. Total cost of the two-storey construction is $149,900.

Starting Sept. 10th, members of the public will have the opportunity to visit the house at 924 Montague Street to check out the innovations and technical advancements:

Open House Schedule:

Saturday, Sept. 10th: noon – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 11th: noon – 4 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 13th: 4 – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 14th: 4 – 7 p.m.

More information on can be found online at:
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation www.cmhc.ca
Urban Aboriginal Strategy http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/interloc/uas_e.html
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation www.dcre.gov.sk.ca
City of Regina www.regina.ca
Ehrlo Community Services www.ehrlo.com/ecs/

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jason Cobb Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Calgary Phone: (403)515-2903	Lee Cowie Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Regina Phone: (306)780-6249
Herman Hulshof Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916	Bob Bjerke City of Regina Regina Phone: (306)777-7533
Helen Finucane Ehrlo Community Services Regina Phone: (306)584-3313 Cell: (306) 537-2648