RIVER HEIGHTS LODGE COTTAGES CHANGE OWNERSHIP AND RECEIVE RENOVATIONS

Released on February 12, 1999

Municipal Affairs, Culture and Housing Minister Carol Teichrob today

announced a transfer of ownership and a $700,000 renovation of River

Heights Lodge Cottages, independent seniors' housing facilities in

North Battleford. The ownership and management transfer from the

Battlefords Health District to the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation

includes plans for renovations due to start this spring with

completion by November 1999. The renovations will be undertaken

through public tendering, resulting in construction jobs, material

supply and other contract opportunities associated with the

construction industry.



Both exterior and interior capital improvements are planned, including

new pitched-roofs, chimneys, living-room windows and some exterior

doors. Interior renovations include kitchen countertops, floor

covering, bathroom work, replacement of some furnaces and painting.



"The change places responsibility for managing the River Heights Lodge

Cottages with the local Housing Authority which will help make the

renovations possible," Teichrob said. "Ownership of these cottages by

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation supports the government's vision of

ensuring adequate, affordable and accessible housing for an increasing

senior population. River Heights Lodge Cottages have been managed by

the Battlefords Health District since it was formed in 1993."



District Health Board Chairperson Fred Sawula welcomed the

announcement stating, "The Health District is of the sincere

belief that this transaction is in the best interest of all

parties, our seniors and the community at large. This is a

win-win situation for everyone."



North Battleford Mayor Wayne Ray commended the Government of

Saskatchewan, the North Battleford Housing Authority and the

Battlefords Health District for taking a leadership role in

ensuring social housing for seniors through this independent

living project.



"It is through the co-operative efforts of all parties, including

the City of North Battleford, that this project has come to

fruition," Ray said.



"Saskatchewan Housing Corporation's focus is on housing,"

Teichrob said. "It is the right entity to manage

independent-living units like the River Heights Lodge Cottages."



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For more information, contact:



Maureen Boyle Linda Lewis

Communications Communications

Municipal Affairs, Culture and Battlefords Health District

Housing North Battleford

Regina Phone: (306) 446-6625

Phone: (306) 787-5959