PROVINCE SELLS LAND TO INCREASE HOUSING SUPPLY

As part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, the province is selling 336 acres of government-owned land adjacent to the northwest city limits of Regina. The proceeds of the sale will be re-directed toward the construction of new housing units for low- and moderate-income families.

"Land availability for new housing supply is a challenge we have to address," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "By selling this land, we can work with the City of Regina to significantly impact housing availability while also generating funds for safe, quality affordable housing."

The province supports quality and fairness in private, public and non-profit housing markets. The land will be sold in an open process allowing for any organizations interested in acquiring the land to undertake their due diligence and make an offer on the land. The overall goal is to meet the challenges of economic and population growth and development.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has issued a Request for Offers (RFO) for proponents to purchase the land. As part of the upcoming budget process, the government will examine how best to use the proceeds of the sale to facilitate the construction of new affordable housing units for low-income and moderate-income earners.

Overall, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed to investing $344 million to add 12,600 new housing units by 2016 to provide better access to safe, quality affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income citizens and families.

The deadline for offers is January 17, 2013 and offers will be reviewed and prioritized by January 31, 2013.

-30-

For more information, contact:

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