NEW AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING AVAILABLE IN MEADOW LAKE

The Town of Meadow Lake today celebrated the opening of the new Martin Gran Affordable Housing Project featuring 12 new rental apartments for low-income families.

Total cost for the project is approximately $590,000 with $216,000 in funding provided through a forgivable loan by the federal and provincial government's Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). The town of Meadow Lake donated the former Martin Gran School that was previously scheduled for demolition.

"We have made affordable housing a priority," noted Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "These 12 new households demonstrate how we are working with our partners to help create and fund innovative housing opportunities for the residents of Meadow Lake."

Owned by Meadow Lake Properties, a private non-profit corporation, the project converted the former Martin Gran School into a 12-unit walk-up apartment for low-income families. The building includes one three-bedroom, eight two-bedroom and three one-bedroom homes with rents set at the low end of the market.

"Through our HomeFirst strategy, people have a place to call home that opens the door to independence," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Maynard Sonntag said on behalf of Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford. "Projects like this one in our northern communities contribute to health and well-being and foster participation in the social and economic life of the province."

"These new apartments will benefit our residents," Meadow Lake Mayor Gabe Fournier said. "We are very pleased we could participate in the re-development of an existing building into affordable rental housing. It will help all of us continue building a lasting and sustainable community.

RRAP, part of the province's HomeFirst five-year housing strategy, is designed to enhance and improve existing low-income housing to ensure that it meets acceptable health and safety standards. The program is 75 per cent funded by the federal government and 25 per cent by the government of Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-0916	Jason Cobb CMHC Calgary Phone: (403) 515-2903
Richard Levesque Town of Meadow Lake Meadow Lake Phone: (306) 236-3622