STUDENT HOUSING PROJECT OFFICIALLY OPENS IN MEADOW LAKE

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today joined North West Regional College to officially open 40 new affordable rental suites for students attending the North West Post-Secondary Center in Meadow Lake.

The total cost of the project is $7.6 million. Of that amount, about $3.1 million was provided by the federal government through Western Economic Diversification Canada and approximately $4.4 million contributed by the province through Enterprise Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

"Our government is proud to be a part of this exciting project," said Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "It has created jobs and stimulated the economy during the worst of the downturn, while providing important opportunities for students for many years to come."

"Students are not only the future workers, but the future leaders of our province," Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison said on behalf of Social Services Minister June Draude. "Businesses are growing across the province, creating opportunities in many sectors. Having affordable housing available will allow more people the chance to further their education in Meadow Lake and ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities available."

"North West Regional College is extremely pleased to offer accessible and affordable housing for post-secondary students and their families attending the North West Post-Secondary Centre in Meadow Lake," College President and CEO Bryan Nylander said. "This complex is a key milestone on the college's path to create an expansive trades training centre in this community. North West Regional College is grateful for the financial support of Western Economic Diversification, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Enterprise Saskatchewan. These funding partnerships were instrumental in bringing the project to fruition, and we thank them for their commitment to assist us in removing a significant barrier to our students' success - access to quality, affordable housing."

The project consists of four one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom, 16 three-bedroom and two four-bedroom units, and is designed to accommodate families and singles.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Ministry of Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967

Joanne Mysak
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon
Tel: 306-975-5942
E-mail: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca