Province Supports New Housing Project in Prince Albert

Released on January 19, 2015

Through the combined efforts of the Government of Saskatchewan and P. A. Community Housing Society Inc. (PACHSI), a new four-unit affordable housing development for small families officially opened today in Prince Albert. 

The total cost of the project is approximately $657,000.  The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed $340,000 to the project from the provincial Summit Action Fund.  This fund, with a $6 million investment by the province, was created to help increase housing supply across the province through innovation in the housing sector.  The remainder of the funding is being provided by PACHSI in the form of cash/equity, land contribution, and private lender financing.

“This development is another wonderful example of partners coming together to ensure Saskatchewan people have a home that meets their needs,” Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens said, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.  “These four homes will provide Prince Albert families with a secure and comfortable environment in which they can plan for the future and become a part of the community. We are proud to work with PACHSI to make this project come to life.  Together, we will continue to keep Saskatchewan growing strong, now and for future generations.”

“P.A. Community Housing Society is proud to partner with the province on our newest affordable rental housing project for young families,” PACHSI Manager Linda Boyer said.  “This will allow the tenants to get a good start in life and raise their families in a safe and secure place to call home.  With the substantial increase in rental rates, it is very challenging to find family housing at all, let alone affordable housing for young families just starting out.  PACHSI’s vacancy rate is at zero per cent and has been for numerous years, showing the need for increased affordable housing units such as these.  Since 2006, PACHSI has added 159 affordable rental units to their portfolio through new builds and the purchase/ renovation of existing buildings.  Without financial assistance from all levels of government, units such as these would be impossible to keep affordable for those most in need.  Also, by choosing to construct on this infill lot, a new tax base has been created for the City of Prince Albert.”

The project consists of a two-storey four-plex located at 1249 - 15th Street West in Prince Albert’s West Flat neighbourhood.  Each home is approximately 945 square feet (87 square metres) over two floors.  The project is near Queen Mary Community Elementary School and other neighbourhood green spaces.  This project is intended to be the first of several units to be replicated on other PACHSI owned infill lots in Prince Albert.

The province continues to work with the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors to develop housing opportunities in Prince Albert.  Since November 2007, there have been 227 units completed, including the four units at 1249 - 15th Street West.  An additional 70 units are under construction in Prince Albert.

PACHSI is an experienced Aboriginal housing provider that constructs, owns, and operates many affordable housing units in Prince Albert.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca