Released on November 20, 2013
Construction of a new 36-unit social housing development in Moose Jaw is underway, following a sod turning ceremony today. The project is the first of three being built, which will contribute a total of 91 new family rental housing units to the supply in Moose Jaw – replacing current units being sold as entry-level homes. The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $18 million in funding from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) for the three construction projects. The funding is part of the government’s portfolio renewal initiative, designed to develop new medium-density multiple unit housing in the province.
“We have an opportunity in this province to leverage the economic growth we’re experiencing to help our friends and neighbours,” Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the SHC June Draude. “We are pleased to work with our partners in communities across the province to meet our current housing challenges by helping to supply safe, affordable housing for families and individuals.”
“This investment in social housing and the eventual increase in entry level housing is a welcome addition to our growing community,” Moose Jaw Mayor Deb Higgins said. “Moose Jaw has traditionally been a strong proponent of social housing and recognizes the importance of support to families. The projects announced today will assist in filling a gap in our current housing market.”
The first 36-unit project, located at 821 Chester Road in Moose Jaw, is being built by Deveraux Developments Ltd., and is expected to be complete by next autumn. The other two developments will be built by Blanchard Holdings Inc. (16 units) and NewRock Developments Inc. (39 units).
Construction of those two projects is expected to be complete next winter, and in the summer of 2015 respectively. All of the completed units will be managed by the Moose Jaw Housing Authority.
“We are proud to be one of the developers working with the Government of Saskatchewan through SHC to bring much needed housing options to residents of Moose Jaw and area,” Deveraux Developments CEO Denis Jones said.
Under the portfolio renewal initiative, SHC is selling and replacing approximately 300 of its single-family units in Regina, Moose Jaw and Prince Albert with modern and energy-efficient multi-unit housing. Current tenants are being given the opportunity to purchase the single family home they are renting. Eligible tenants will be given the opportunity to move to other social housing if they don’t purchase their current unit.
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For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca