RENOVATION OF FAMILY HOUSING PROJECT UNDERWAY IN EAST REGINA

The Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), is investing approximately $8 million to redevelop a total of 71 homes for families in Parkview Village located in East Regina. To date, 16 homes have been completed. The remaining homes and landscaping are expected to be completed later this year.

"Without our government's reinvestment in this existing project, these homes would have been lost," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "Instead, more than 71 families will soon be calling Parkview Village home. We are committed to strengthening our housing system and will continue working to ensure that every Saskatchewan family has access to a safe, stable home."

Parkview Village is a housing project located on Fines Drive in Regina, consisting of 18 buildings with four bi-level style homes in each building. Due to foundation failure and moisture issues, it was determined that the best option would be to retrofit all the homes, as well as repair and improve the site to provide better drainage. Included in the retrofit is the conversion of three units into two five-bedroom units to accommodate larger families, for a total of 71 units.

As the work is completed, the homes will be allocated to families from the Regina Housing Authority's wait list. Priority will be given to those who are in the greatest need. Rents will be based on household income, and will be less than 30 per cent of gross household income.

This initiative, and others, is a key component of the province's Housing Strategy for Saskatchewan which was released in August last year. Since March 2011, the government has committed $309 million to new initiatives including the Affordable Home Ownership Program, the Rental Construction Incentive, the Summit Action Fund and Headstart on a Home.

"We expect that almost 6,200 homes will be built across the province over the next five years," Draude said. "Since 2007, SHC has partnered with the City of Regina, non-profit organizations and the Regina Housing Authority to develop or renovate more than 1,300 rental units in Regina alone. I am pleased that we are well on the road to improving many lives in Saskatchewan communities."

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For more information, contact:

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