$8 MILLION TO NORTHERN COMMUNITIES FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger today announced that northern communities will receive an estimated $8 million for affordable housing initiatives.

This funding is part of the Premier’s $100 million plan to revitalize Saskatchewan neighbourhoods and northern communities with greatest need, which was announced February 23, 2007.

“This is an excellent example of what HomeFirst, our government’s five-year housing plan, is all about,” Belanger said.  “It will help build brighter futures for the citizens of northern Saskatchewan and provide safer, more affordable housing options for individuals and families. This commitment will bring about significant change and renewal as we work together to improve our communities for Saskatchewan families.”

“This investment will help provide housing to people who need it the most,” Northern Affairs Minister Joan Beatty said.  “Also, the training portion creates greater opportunity for Northern youth to participate in the home building industry where there is a shortage of skilled tradespeople.”

The new funding for affordable housing announced in February is being targeted at northern communities and the inner cities of Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and North Battleford.  It marks the single largest expansion of HomeFirst, the provincial government’s five-year housing strategy initiated in 2004.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: lsaliken@cr.gov.sk.ca