GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN EXPANDS HOUSING PROGRAM

To help more municipalities meet housing needs and sustain population and economic growth, the Government of Saskatchewan today announced two funding enhancements to the Encouraging Community Housing Options (ECHO) Program. In total, $400,000 will be made available to municipalities on a first come, first served basis through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

"Our government recognizes that municipalities across Saskatchewan are facing challenges in addressing housing needs," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "The goal of the ECHO program is to provide support for eligible municipalities to develop long-term housing plans that will increase housing supply across the province. We are pleased to implement this program as a key action under our Housing Strategy for Saskatchewan, which was announced in August last year."

"SUMA is pleased with today's announcement," SUMA President Allan Earle said. "Revamping the ECHO program is a provincial acknowledgment that the primary role of urban governments in the housing market is good local and regional planning. Focused funding to support local housing plans will ensure communities are positioned to manage current and future housing pressures. This is a good thing for urban Saskatchewan."

The enhanced ECHO program will provide a cost-matched grant for two components:

• Up to $20,000 to complete a Housing Plan; and/or
• Up to $10,000 to implement strategies identified in a Housing Plan or other type of needs assessment.

The municipalities must match a minimum of 50 per cent of the project cost. Examples of eligible expenses include: hiring a professional planner or project manager; hosting consultations; completing research; completing studies such as engineering, environmental or infrastructure; and other efforts to act on strategies identified in the Housing Plan.

Applications are welcome from any municipality with a population more than 2,500 and an Official Community Plan (OCP) completed or underway. Regional partnerships are also eligible, if they have a combined population of more than 2,500 and the lead municipality has an OCP completed or under development.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation will allocate funding on a first come, first served basis to eligible applicants.

Online applications will be available after February 15, 2012. For more information contact the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 306-787-4177, toll-free 1-800-667-7567 or visit our website at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/housing.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246