Released on December 6, 2013
Construction of a new rental housing project is underway in La Ronge, thanks to a joint investment from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan. This project, developed and operated by the Northern Teacher Education Program Council Inc. (NORTEP), will provide eight affordable rental housing units for students with large families furthering their education in La Ronge. Located at the corner of Bedford Drive and Louis Road, the project consists of six four-bedroom and two five-bedroom units.
Rob Clarke, Member of Parliament for Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River, on behalf of Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude, made the announcement today.
“Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in La Ronge and in all corners of the country,” said Clarke. “We are committed to making communities stronger through projects like these. We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security.”
“This initiative is another example of how we are all working in co-operation to improve the quality of life for people in Saskatchewan, which is the essence of our Plan for Growth,” Draude said. “These homes will help meet the need for affordable housing in La Ronge, and enable NORTEP students to live with their families in this community while pursuing their educational goals.”
“Northern students, and in particular young Aboriginal people, face considerable barriers when it comes to succeeding in university,” NORTEP President and CEO Dr. Herman Michell said. “Many come from communities where lack of housing is a huge problem. They need quality places in which to live and study. This partnership with the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan assisted NORTEP to construct eight affordable, safe housing units for students and their families. Affordable accommodation will enable students to focus successfully on completing their university studies.”
The approximate total cost of the project is $2.6 million. The federal and provincial governments are jointly contributing $884,000 under the Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 (IAH) Agreement toward four of the units. The other four units are funded through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation’s Summit Action Fund, with an investment of $500,000. The balance of the project cost comes from cash/land equity and mortgage financing. Located at the corner of Bedford Drive and Louis Road, the project consists of six four-bedroom and two five-bedroom units and is estimated to be completed in April 2014.
Part of this funding comes as a result of the $55 million Canada-Saskatchewan IAH 2011-2014 Agreement. Under the agreement, the Province of Saskatchewan will use the funds to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.
Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents an estimated 28,000 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the IAH. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the IAH to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 146,769 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.
In October 2012, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: Vision 2020 and Beyond, which sets out the government’s vision for a province of 1.2 million people by 2020. The plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. Under the plan, the province has invested $344 million to help create 12,600 new housing units and repair or upgrade approximately 24,000 more housing units around the province. Since November 2007, 23 affordable rental units have been completed in La Ronge.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew McGrath
Office of the Minister of State
Phone: 819-953-2350
Email: andrew.mcgrath@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca
Young Ong
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-2962
Email: yong@cmhc-schl.gc.ca