PROVINCE INVESTS $15 MILLION FOR 400 STUDENT RESIDENCE SPACES AT U OF S

Students at the University of Saskatchewan will have better access to student housing, with the announcement today of $15 million in provincial funding for the construction of new on-campus residences.

The funding is part of the Ministry of Social Service's nearly $30 million acceleration in infrastructure spending for students, seniors, low-income households, and people with intellectual disabilities-part of the $500 million "economic booster shot" announced by Premier Brad Wall on Monday. The $29.9 million investment is comprised of $15 million for student housing at the U of S, $12 million for affordable housing in Regina, $2.3 million for 12 affordable housing units for seniors in Prince Albert, and $600,000 for improvements to activity centres and group living homes that will benefit people with intellectual disabilities in Maidstone, Yorkton and Langenburg.

"The Province is pleased to invest in housing at the U of S, as part of our commitment to address the housing needs of students and young people across Saskatchewan," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Expanding the supply of quality, affordable housing throughout the province will help ensure a strong economy and a better life for all Saskatchewan people."

The new residences will consist of approximately 400 beds. The residences will be built on university-owned land located along Cumberland Avenue, across from the main campus. Construction is expected to begin in 2009.

"This significant investment in affordable housing will benefit students, our community and the entire province," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "We know that student housing is a priority at the University of Saskatchewan. This public investment is meant to help students succeed in their studies and, ultimately, stay in Saskatchewan after they graduate."

"The construction of additional affordable on-campus housing-the first new residences in more than 30 years-will enable the University to remain competitive at attracting and retaining students from Saskatchewan and around the world," University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon said. "The guidance and support of the provincial government has been tremendously valuable and greatly appreciated as we continue to work together to address the need for more quality, affordable student housing at the U of S."

The U of S has selected Meridian Development Corporation of Saskatoon as its development partner.

"As proud U of S alumni, Meridian's executive are enthusiastic about having been selected as the University's partner in this project," Meridian Development's Director of Legal Affairs Colleen Wilson said. "Meridian is very pleased to be strategic partners with the U of S and the Government of Saskatchewan in pursuing our common goal of making this province a global leader on an international stage."

Further detail of Social Services' accelerated projects, which will benefit seniors, low-income households, and people with intellectual disabilities, will be released in the near future.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca

James Parker
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3370

Patty Martin
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-966-6919