Released on October 14, 2014
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with Saskatoon Housing Coalition, today celebrated the completion of a new affordable housing project in Saskatoon. These 20 bachelor-style units will benefit individuals with disabilities, and homelessness or addiction issues by providing quality housing, and accessibility in a supportive environment.
Kelly Block, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Saskatoon–Rosetown–Biggar, on behalf of Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Central Services Minister Jennifer Campeau on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer, made the announcement.
“Our government is committed to working with Saskatchewan to develop and implement local solutions to housing,” said Block. “The investments here in Saskatoon are helping individuals with challenges access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs. These 20 new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home.”
“This project is an important step forward for those who require an affordable home as they work toward improving their quality of life and eventually living independently,” Campeau said. “Housing is a key priority under the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, and our government is proud of its commitment to help Saskatchewan people in greatest housing need.”
“Every person in Saskatoon deserves a safe and secure place to live,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said. “We continue to pioneer new and innovative methods of opening more doors for more families. This 20-unit complex will provide an improved quality of life for every person who lives here and thereby improve the quality of life of the entire community.”
“Everyone involved in our organization is very grateful for the capital funding from our committed partners to enable us to expand our services to now offer a transitional housing program within our housing portfolio,” Saskatoon Housing Coalition Executive Director Jo-Ann Coleman Pidskalny said. “We believe that with adequate and appropriate supports in place at a time of need, young adults, those at risk of being homeless and those requiring barrier-free housing can be supported through their recovery journey for two years in preparation for them to successfully maintain long-term housing placements afterwards.”
Shirley Skelton Manor will house clients of The Coalition with disabilities, and homelessness or addiction issues. Residents will have a stable living environment as they learn life skills and receive counselling in preparation for independent living.
The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), contributed a combined total of $2 million through the Investment in Affordable Housing (2011-2014) Agreement. Employment and Social Development Canada contributed $250,000 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy Community Entity for Saskatoon. The City of Saskatoon also contributed $300,000 through the Innovative Housing Incentive.
Annually, the Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve 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 of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing 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.
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. Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $520 million to develop and repair more than 11,600 homes around the province.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Service
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Young Ong
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-2962
