Construction Of New Rental Housing Project Begins In North Battleford

Released on August 12, 2020

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, the City of North Battleford, along with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords Branch, officially broke ground on a new eight-unit rental housing project for individuals who have complex needs and require supports to secure and maintain housing.

Battlefords MLA Herb Cox on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Paul Merriman, City of North Battleford Mayor Ryan Bater and Canadian Mental Health Association North Battleford Executive Director Jane Zielke de Montbrun, made the announcement today.

“Our government’s investment in North Battleford will improve the quality of life for individuals with complex needs while contributing to the social well-being of the entire community,” said Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).  “Developments like these will help reach our goal of ensuring every Canadian has a home that meets their needs and they can afford.”

“This project will provide much needed affordable housing in North Battleford to support individuals with mental health challenges and complex needs to live independently in our community,” Cox said.  “These homes will provide a safe and stable living environment, along with the supports the residents require to participate more fully in life and build a better future.  We are pleased to work with our partners to continue to better serve and develop new housing opportunities for Saskatchewan people.”

“The City of North Battleford contributed the land because we were encouraged by the quick action by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to support this important project,” Bater said.  “These homes will have a positive effect on the health of our community by providing an affordable, safe, and healthy living environment for the residents.  We are grateful for the contributions of all partners who have come together to make this project a reality.”

“Our project begins to close a transitional housing continuum gap in our community,” Zielke de Montbrun said.  “Its design will create a sense of community and belonging among tenants and provide space for social/recreational activities and group learning opportunities.  This project will empower those living with mental illness to live successfully in our community while supporting their unique journey of recovery.  We are grateful for the support of the Government of Canada, through CMHC, the Government of Saskatchewan, through SHC, the City of North Battleford and Saskatchewan Health Authority.  Together, we are making a difference in the lives of persons living with mental illness and complex needs in the Battlefords.”

Quick Facts:

• The Government of Canada, through CMHC, and the Government of Saskatchewan, through SHC, contributed $830,000 to the project from the federal/provincial National Housing Strategy.  The City of North Battleford contributed the land for the project.
• Tenants will be individuals living with complex needs and mental health challenges, and will be provided support services to ensure they remain securely housed and live independently.
• The project is the new construction of two single level fourplexes in North Battleford located at 1942 Kramer Place.  The fourplexes face each other with a middle green space.  A support service and transitional shelter area equipped with a small kitchenette and washroom will be located at the end of the property to form a u-shaped building complex.
• The Government of Canada is currently rolling out its National Housing Strategy (NHS), an ambitious 10-year, $55 billion plan that will create 125,000 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.
• The NHS is built on strong partnerships between federal, provincial and territorial governments, and on continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private sectors to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
• This investment supports the Province’s Housing Strategy, Poverty Reduction Strategy and Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan to increase community capacity to ensure Saskatchewan people in greatest need, including people living with persistent and complex mental health and addictions issues, have access to affordable, safe, secure and stable housing and team-based supports they may require.
• Established in 2000, CMHA Battleford Branch is a non-profit corporation that provides direct service to persons with mental illness in the Battlefords and area.  It provides a drop-in centre Monday to Friday and life skills, social, recreation and work experience programming.

Associated Links:

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry.  CMHC’s aim is that by 2030, everyone in Canada has a home they can afford, and that meets their needs.  For more information, please visit www.cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.  To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.
• In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030.  The plan is a roadmap for a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, to build a stronger Saskatchewan.  Housing is a key priority in providing a better quality of life for Saskatchewan families and communities.  Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $804 million to develop or repair more than 16,600 housing units around the province.  To learn more, visit www.saskatchewan.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca

Leonard Catling
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Phone: 604-787-1787
Email: LCATLING@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Jessica Eritou
Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
Ottawa
Email: Jessica.eritou@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca