Released on October 28, 1997
Municipal Government Minister Carol Teichrob today announced that 24homes will be built in the communities of Buffalo Narrows, Green Lake,
Ile a la Crosse, La Loche, Pinehouse and Beauval under the 1997-98
Remote Housing Program. Grants for 75 per cent of construction cost,
totalling $1.2 million, have been approved to assist low and moderate
income people to build their own homes.
"Owing to the success of the Remote Housing Program over the past two
years, the government expanded the program in 1997 to include all
northern communities which do not have reasonable access to a housing
market," Teichrob said.
Clients of the Remote Housing Program must secure financing for
25 per cent of the basic building costs and contribute to the
construction of their new homes in the form of "sweat equity".
Opportunities are also available for friends and families to help
construct the house.
Electrical, mechanical, heating and plumbing requirements will be
completed by qualified contractors. In 1996-97, more than half the
value of this work was awarded to northern contractors though open
tenders.
"Our experience over the past two years has shown that the Remote
Housing Program is more than an opportunity to provide much
needed housing," Northern Affairs Minister Keith Goulet said.
"It is also an opportunity for employment training, skills
development and a general feeling of accomplishment for the
clients and the communities involved."
The 1997 Remote Housing Program was announced in the 1997-98
budget and is part of an $8 million commitment over three years
to fund housing programs in northern communities.
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For more information, contact:
Debi McEwen
Communications Branch
Municipal Government
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-0531