NEW SPECIAL NEEDS TRANSPORTATION AND SENIORS' HOUSING UNITS

Senior citizens and people with special needs in Balcarres now have greater independence and additional good quality housing with assistance from the provincial government.

The province contributed $55,000 from the Centenary Fund toward the cost of a $85,648 specially equipped vehicle. The Centenary Fund was set up to leave a legacy of Saskatchewan's Centennial for future generations. Leading up to the centennial celebrations in 2005, the government is funding projects that are of provincial or regional interest and develop municipal infrastructure. Under the Centenary Fund Saskatchewan communities will receive more than $2.3 million, over three years, toward the replacement of special needs transportation vehicles.

In addition, six semi-detached seniors' housing units were relocated from Shaunavon and retrofitted at a total project cost of $330,000. With these six units, the Balcarres Housing Authority will manage a total of 22 housing units.

"A person's ability to access services, work, socialize and live productively within the community is key to the independence of our citizens," Government Relations Minister Ron Osika said. "We are proud to work with Balcarres citizens to provide improved transportation services and affordable, quality housing. Saskatchewan's future truly is wide open for all citizens."

"The Town of Balcarres is pleased and proud to provide additional quality housing for our seniors," Balcarres Mayor Ervin Baber said. "We are also pleased that the citizens of our district have a new and improved special needs bus."

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For More Information, Contact:

Ann Anderson Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-8890 Email: aanderson@graa.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)535-3069

Trudy Jackson Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-4011 Email: tjackson@dcre.gov.sk.ca