Student Housing Project Opens in Nipawin

Released on February 26, 2016

Eight post-secondary student families now have a safe, quality place to call home thanks to support from the Government of Saskatchewan, the Town of Nipawin, and Northern Spruce Housing Corporation (NSHC).  The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), provided $1.1 million to make the project a reality.  NSHC contributed approximately $474,000, and the Town of Nipawin provided land.  The project is the result of a collaboration between Cumberland College, Prince Albert Grand Council (Eastern Sector), the Town of Nipawin and NSHC.

“Our government is proud to work with Northern Spruce Housing Corporation and the Town of Nipawin to help students attending Cumberland College access quality, affordable rental housing,” Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.  “This is a wonderful addition to the community and, most importantly, students will be able to focus on their studies knowing that their housing needs are being met.  We thank everyone involved in this initiative, which will help keep Saskatchewan strong.”

“The student housing project in Nipawin will provide a quality environment for post-secondary students to continue their studies and ultimately improve their quality of life,” Nipawin Mayor David Trann said.  “Nipawin town council completed a housing needs study in our community where student housing was identified as one of the priorities.  We are committed to addressing housing needs right across the spectrum with this housing project - a welcome addition in our community.  Town council will continue to participate with the province, Cumberland Community College, and other agencies to ensure quality housing in Nipawin.”

“Northern Spruce Housing is extremely pleased with the beautiful housing units we are officially opening today,” NSHC Executive Director Kelly Skiffington said.  “When the Board of Northern Spruce Housing was made aware of the shortage of housing for families who were attending school in Nipawin the immediate response was 'what can we do to help'.  In partnership with Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the Town of Nipawin, we are confident our goal has been achieved.  We hope that these eight units will provide a continued opportunity for families to live within a caring neighborhood in a home they can be proud of.”

The single-storey attached project consists of four two-bedroom units, four three-bedroom units and one office space.  The two-bedroom units are 690 square feet (64.3 square metres). The three-bedroom units are 780 square feet (72.4 square metres).  The project is located at 1110 - 3rd Street West in Nipawin.

This project is aligned with a number of strategic priorities that were outlined in the Provincial Housing Strategy.  These priorities include the need to increase housing supply, to improve housing affordability and to support individuals and families in greatest housing need.  Since November 2007, 58 affordable rental and homeownership units have been completed by SHC in Nipawin. 

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For more information, contact:

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