GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATE NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN SASKATOON

Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer today announced details of two new affordable housing projects that will see approximately $2.8 million invested in Saskatoon and a total of 12 homes built for low-income families, including persons living with disabilities.

Funding in the amount of $601,000 has been made available for one of the
two projects through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment under the amended Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Persons with disabilities often have difficulty finding housing that meets their specific needs. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $75 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

"The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most," said Block. "Here in Saskatoon, this initiative will help people in our community access suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs."

"Our government is committed to affordable housing and we are pleased to work with the federal government in bringing these projects to fruition," Harpauer said. "Finding solutions to housing needs requires the support of many, and these projects clearly demonstrate what can be accomplished when we work together to make life better for Saskatchewan citizens."

"The City of Saskatoon looks forward to participating with the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan to help deliver much needed rental accommodation in Saskatoon," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. "More rental accommodation is needed in our community and the City of Saskatoon has created a new Rental Rebate program with the ultimate goal of seeing 1,000 new rental units constructed across the city. These additional units will assist us with our goal."

The first project will consist of two three-bedroom semi-detached homes for a total of four units. Each unit will be wheelchair-accessible and feature wider doorways, ramps, wheel-in showers and lower counter and light-switch heights. The estimated total cost is $1.1 million, of which $601,000 is funded under the amendment to the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement with a further $110,000 coming from the City of Saskatoon. A private incorporation known as DH2 will provide approximately $400,000 in land and financing for the construction of the project. Completion is expected in March 2010.

The second project, Bedford Road, will consist of two three-bedroom four-plexes for a total of eight units. The estimated total cost is $2.1 million, with $1.9 million provided through the amended Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, and the balance coming from the City of Saskatoon. North Ridge Development Corporation will act as project contractor. Completion is expected in summer 2010.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

To find out more about CMHC call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

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For more information, contact:

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

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

Alan Wallace
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-2650

Michelle Bakos
Office of Minister Finley
Phone: 819-994-2482