NEW HOUSING PROJECT FOR REGINA'S CORE COMMUNITY

Thanks to federal, provincial and municipal partnerships, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation today announced that a new energy efficient, 29-unit affordable housing project is being built on the former St. Joseph's School site located at 2181 Toronto Street. The new housing project will be called Maple Leaf Estates, in honour of its community location.

"The twenty-nine new units being built will allow families in Regina to live in safe, quality housing at an affordable cost and start a new page in their lives," said Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina-Qu'Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "This project demonstrates the commitment of Canada's new government to work together with our partners to create housing for those who need it most."

"Today's announcement is about helping more Regina residents find affordable, quality housing, contributing to inner city revitalization, and sustaining a green environment," Government Relations Minister Harry Van Mulligen said on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger.
"This project is made possible by the province's HomeFirst strategy, which addresses the current and future housing needs of Saskatchewan people. This project is a key building block to making life better for today's families and building a future here for our youth."

"This is another great example of different orders of government and community working together to improve living conditions and quality of life for Regina's residents," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "This housing project fits well with City Council's long range vision of a city that is attractive, generous, affordable, accessible, compact and competitive, where young people can thrive in opportunity."

The total project cost is approximately $4.6 million. The units are being constructed through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), with funding assistance from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the City of Regina. The goal of the project is to provide low- to moderate- income families a safe, stable, affordable home environment that meets their needs.

Construction of Maple Leaf Estates is currently underway with the development of 29 units. Three are two-bedroom, mobility accessible bungalows and twenty-six are three-bedroom, two-storey units. Maple Leaf Estates is being constructed to R2000 standards and will be ready for occupancy in the summer of 2007.

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For More Information, Contact:

Kimberlee Jones Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Calgary Phone: 403-515-3048	Linda Saliken Community Resources Regina Phone: 306-787-0246
Mark Rathwell City of Regina Regina Phone: 306-777-7309