Governments Of Canada And Saskatchewan Support New Housing Project For Homelessness In North Battleford

Released on July 23, 2019

The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along with the City of North Battleford and Battlefords Indian Métis Friendship Centre (BIMFC), officially opened a new affordable housing project in North Battleford that will provide safe housing for up to eight individuals along with the supervision and supports they may require to help break the cycle of homelessness.

“The National Housing Strategy prioritizes the housing needs of Canada’s most vulnerable groups which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in North Battleford for people experiencing homelessness,” Duclos said.  “This new eight-bed home is more than just safe and affordable place to live, it’s the key to a better life for residents here. There’s an inherent connection between dignity and housing, and I’m proud to support organizations like Battlefords Indian Métis Friendship Centre and the important work they do to help rebuild lives and create stronger, safer communities.”

• The Government of Canada, through CMHC, and the Government of Saskatchewan, through SHC, jointly contributed up to $580,000 towards the project under the Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
• The City of North Battleford provided $108,000 to this project for the land and the costs of site servicing.
• BIMFC received a $130,000 Community Development Corporation grant from the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs for this project. An additional $10,000 was approved by CMHC.
• Support services will be provided in-kind by various partners and include health assessments and referrals, mental health and addictions referrals and support, life skills, a mentorship program with Indigenous elders and any other identified support services required.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy, an ambitious 10-year, $55 billion plan that will create 100,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need, as well as repair and renew more than 300,000 housing units and reduce chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.
• This project upholds the Province’s Housing Strategy, Poverty Reduction Strategy and Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan by ensuring Saskatchewan people have access to affordable, safe, secure and stable housing, increasing community capacity and supporting people living with complex mental health and addictions issues through housing and intensive team-based supports.
• BIMFC has been providing a wide variety of programs and services to the community since 1970 and has provided an emergency shelter in the winter months over the last five years.