AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN REGINA EXPANDS

More affordable housing will soon be available for low and moderate-income Regina families thanks to the expansion of Maple Leaf Estates. Officials broke ground today on phase II of the project, which will create an additional 53 units.

"The Maple Leaf Estates project is generating tremendous excitement for Regina families looking for affordable, quality housing that meets their needs," MLA for Regina -Qu'Appelle Valley Laura Ross said on behalf of Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer. "This is an excellent example of how the province's HomeFirst affordable housing strategy is working by creating more housing choices to help build brighter futures for Saskatchewan people."

All 29 townhouse units from phase I have been sold and are occupied. The second phase will consist of two distinct components: an apartment building with 39 two-bedroom rental units, and 14 townhouse homeownership units. The new units will each be approximately 1,000 square feet. It is anticipated that the townhouses will be completed by November of 2009 and the apartments will be available in February of 2010.

Low to moderate-income families interested in purchasing one of the 14 townhouse homeownership units may apply to the province's HomeFirst Homeownership Program. Under this program, eligible families can obtain a forgivable loan of up to $20,000 and a repayable low-interest mortgage of up to $30,000. Program eligibility depends on criteria such as the applicant's income, current housing situation and number of dependents. The 39 apartment units will be available as affordable rental units for low and moderate-income families and managed by the Regina Housing Authority.

The second phase of Maple Leaf Estates will cost approximately $12.9 million which is funded by the Province.

This project will offer a number of energy efficient features that will help families live in comfort and benefit from reduced energy costs. These features include super insulated R35 walls and R70 attic space, hot water heat provided by solar power, low flush water toilets and an apartment boiler system that can accommodate future neighbourhood heating plans.

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For more information, contact:
Trudy Jackson
Ministry of Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4011