$3.2 MILLION IN NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS FOR SASKATOON

Four new housing projects in Saskatoon will receive $3.2 million in funding through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP). CAHP is a joint federal/provincial program designed to work with municipalities and local community partners to provide access to quality housing for seniors and low-income families.

The two projects announced today will be managed by Abbeyfield Homes of Saskatoon Inc. and the Central Urban Metis Federation Inc.(CUMFI).

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) said he was pleased that the partnership was helping Metis families in Saskatoon. "Projects such as CUMFI here in the inner city are exactly what we need to ensure lower income residents get the quality affordable housing they need. The Government of Canada is working for all Canadians."

"These two projects provide an example of governments and communities coming together toward a wide open future with quality and accessible housing for seniors and moderate-income families in Saskatoon," Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said.

"Affordable housing is a key to healthy communities and healthy neighbourhoods," Mayor Jim Maddin said. "These two projects, being announced today, for aboriginal people and seniors are major assets to Saskatoon."

The Abbeyfield Homes housing project, located on land formerly occupied by the sanitorium on Avenue K South, will house ten seniors and a live-in co-ordinator. Residents will live independently with the added benefits of common kitchen, dining and recreational areas and the assistance of a co-ordinator.

Abbeyfield Homes of Saskatoon Inc. will receive $150,000 in capital funding from the Centenary Affordable Housing Program. The remaining $800,000 project cost will come from private financing and private donations.

The CUMFI project will provide affordable housing to 36 low-income, inner-city Saskatoon families. Three existing buildings located at Avenue T and Avenue U South will be renovated to provide quality affordable housing.

CUMFI will receive $1,443,000 in capital funding through CAHP and $357,000 in capital funding through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) to rehabilitate the existing apartment buildings.

CAHP and RRAP are Federal/Provincial programs with the municipality partnering in the provincial share of the CAHP program. Both programs are designed to help improve the quality of housing and are part of a $45.9 million four year federal-provincial affordable housing program to build 1,400 units in the province.

In addition to its contribution through CAHP, the City of Saskatoon is also providing a tax incentive and an Enterprise Zone Rebate totalling more than $45,000, with the remaining funding coming from private sources. The total project cost is $2.2 million.

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916 Cell: (306)536-1479	Mary Ann Kenney Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Calgary Phone: (403)515-2903
Lorne A. Sully Manager, City Planning Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-2686