$22.8 MILLION TO SASKATOON FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced that Saskatoon will receive an estimated $22.8 million for affordable housing initiatives.

This funding is part of the Premier’s $100 million plan to revitalize Saskatchewan neighbourhoods with greatest need, which was announced February 23, 2007.  In addition to the $60 million for housing, the plan included a $40 million capital investment to be shared between Regina and Saskatoon to support inner city revitalization through the development of training services and community services centres.

Calvert also announced a commitment of $500,000 in one-time funding from the Department of Community Resources to support food banks across the province.  Of that amount, the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre will receive $250,000 to assist the people they serve in their community.

“My government wants to ensure that all people have access to safe, quality affordable housing and nutritious food,” Calvert said.  “This investment continues our Building Independence Initiative and our HomeFirst housing policy strategy.  We are proud to help build a lasting, sustainable community that will, in turn, help Saskatchewan people pursue happy, healthy and prosperous futures.”

The new funding for affordable housing announced in February is being targeted at northern communities and the inner cities of Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon and North Battleford.  It marks the single largest expansion of HomeFirst, the provincial government’s five-year housing strategy initiated in 2004.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: lsaliken@cr.gov.sk.ca