SASKATCHEWAN HOUSING CORPORATION PROJECT WINS NATIONAL AWARD

A Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) affordable housing project in Île-à-la-Crosse has won a prestigious national Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) "Best Practices in Affordable Housing" award.

The project involved relocating two unused duplexes to Île-à-la-Crosse, significantly renovating and expanding them into two fourplexes and making them available as affordable singles housing. The cost of relocating and renovating the units was 32 per cent less than the cost of constructing new fourplexes. The project was made possible through a partnership of federal and provincial governments and the Village of Île-à-la-Crosse.

"The Housing Awards not only recognize important improvements in housing, but shares solutions and best practices which have helped increase the affordability of housing and the quality of our home in Canada," Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation said. "I am pleased to celebrate and honour the achievements of people whose commitment and innovation ensure that we are not only building homes – but more importantly improving the quality of life for all Canadians."

"Our five year HomeFirst housing strategy is helping to create more affordable and quality homes in the north," Community Resources and Employment Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Joanne Crofford said. "Winning this award is welcome recognition of our efforts. We continue to work with our national and municipal partners to create innovative, cost-effective and sustainable affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families across Saskatchewan. As with all our HomeFirst projects, we are helping people build independence and open the door to the future for themselves, their families, their communities and the province."

The award competition was open to both groups and individuals in the public and private sectors. Fifteen winners across Canada were chosen by an independent multi-disciplinary selection committee comprised of housing experts from across Canada. The SHC project was the only one to win from the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Terry Lazarou Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-8689