IN SEARCH OF CREATIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROPOSALS

Released on December 12, 2002

The first call for proposals under the intergovernmental Centenary

Affordable Housing Program has been issued to more than 200 community-based

organizations, private-sector construction companies, and other potential

project sponsors and interested parties across Saskatchewan.



Successful proposals will offer affordable housing to neighbourhoods and

communities with a demonstrated need, such as inner-city areas. Priority

will be given to proposals offering affordable housing for modest income

families, seniors and people with disabilities, as well as proposals that

offer a higher number of units relative to the amount of government grants

provided.



"This proposal call is a tangible step toward implementing the partnership

between the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan in

providing up to 1,500 more units of affordable housing," said the

Honourable David Collenette, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible

for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. "This builds on existing

federal initiatives to support affordable housing in Saskatchewan."



"Provision of affordable housing is an important part of the provincial

government's strategy to promote independence and self-sufficiency among

modest-income Saskatchewan people," Saskatchewan Social Services Minister

Glenn Hagel said. "We welcome creative affordable housing proposals from

community groups and the private sector across the province. All proposals

will be assessed based on community need for affordable housing, and with a

view to maximizing the number of units delivered."



Established in June 2002, the Centenary Affordable Housing Program will

receive $45.86 million under the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing

Program Agreement over the next five years from federal, provincial and

municipal levels of government and other sources to increase the supply of

affordable housing in Saskatchewan.



The federal contribution amounts to $22.93 million, to be fully matched by

$22.93 million from the province, municipalities, and other sources. The

provincial government funding for the Centenary Affordable Housing Program

is from the Saskatchewan Centenary Fund. The fund was established to help

accelerate social housing and a variety of other important capital projects

leading up to the province's Centenary in 2005.



The amount of government funding provided to each successful proposal will

vary. Parties who are interested in submitting a proposal under the

Centenary Affordable Housing Program may obtain applications and submission

information by calling Saskatchewan Housing Corporation's toll-free number,

1-800-667-7567.



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For more information, contact:



Brian Miller Mary Ann Kenney

Saskatchewan Social Services CMHC

Regina Calgary

Phone: (306) 787-0531 Phone: (403) 515-2903