Released on June 15, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan and Northern Spruce Housing Corporation today marked the beginning of a new student housing project that will provide eight post-secondary student families with a safe, quality place to call home. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, is providing $1.1 million toward the construction of the homes. Approximately $474,000 is being contributed by Northern Spruce Housing Corporation, with the Town of Nipawin providing land.“Our government is strongly committed to supporting Saskatchewan students as they pursue their educational ambitions,” Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw said behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “We are proud to help students access quality, affordable rental housing by investing $1.1 million in this project, which will allow them to live in safety and comfort as they concentrate on their studies. Our goal is to keep Saskatchewan strong, and that includes supporting individuals and families in greatest housing need.”
“Nipawin Town Council has developed a strategic housing plan that includes a number of sectors,” Nipawin Mayor David Trann said. “One of the sectors identifies affordable housing to meet the needs of students attending Cumberland College. We are pleased that Northern Spruce has chosen Nipawin to construct the first housing project that meets the needs of students in our community. The housing complex will be a beautiful addition to the area. We are looking forward to working with all developers in regards to Nipawin's housing needs and demands, and welcome this new addition to our community.”
“Northern Spruce Housing is very excited to see this worthwhile development reach the construction stage,” Northern Spruce Housing Corporation Executive Director Kelly Skiffington said. “There are many students living in and around the Town of Nipawin who require affordable housing in order to have a stable place to call their own. This will, in turn, allow them to focus more fully on their education to achieve their long term goals. These are people whose only desire is to have safe and secure housing - somewhere they can put down roots and be proud to call home. Northern Spruce Housing is very honoured that we have played a part in helping them realize this dream.”
The project, located at 400-406 10th Avenue West in Nipawin, will consist of four two-bedroom and four three-bedroom townhouse-style units, as well as one office space. It is anticipated that the homes will be ready for occupancy by May 2016.
Student housing aligns with both the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and the provincial Housing Strategy. This initiative is part of the province’s commitment to increase the supply of housing in Saskatchewan while simultaneously having a positive impact on individuals and families in greatest housing need.
Since November 2007, 29 affordable rental and home ownership units have been completed in Nipawin. Including the Northern Spruce Housing Corporation’s student family housing project, an additional 11 affordable units are currently under construction.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca