IMPROVED SUPPORTS BENEFIT PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN PRINCE ALBERT

People with intellectual disabilities in Prince Albert will live more independently and enjoy improved services with a new facility that will replace the current North View Home. The $1.1 million investment required to build the new home, as well as operating costs, will be managed within Community Resources' existing budget.

"This initiative is a solid fit with our organization's goals of independence and community inclusion for people with disabilities," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The new facility will allow us to improve the level and range of services for the people who will live there, to deliver a much-needed community-based crisis support program and to help a number of people currently residing at North View Home live more independently in alternative homes based on their wishes and needs. It is also important to note that working conditions will improve for staff at North View Home with space and design enhancements and no jobs will be lost."

The new, seven-space home will continue to provide 24-hour residential supports for people with intellectual disabilities and will also serve as the base of operations for a crisis support program. It will be operational by March 31st, 2007.

The crisis support program will provide preventative education and outreach services to community-based organizations across the province that support people with intellectual disabilities living in homes in the community. The new facility will also provide a temporary place for people with intellectual disabilities to stay when enhancements are occurring to the supports within their homes.

Since the release of the Disability Action Plan in June 2001, the Saskatchewan government has invested more than $37 million, including $12 million this year, in new funding to support people with disabilities.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-0531