Released on July 11, 2002
Work will begin immediately on a $1.3 million conversion of an apartmentcomplex in La Ronge to safe, affordable, subsidized housing for northern
students.
The Northern Teacher Education Program (NORTEP) and Northern Professional
Access College (NORPAC) are purchasing the McKay and Irving apartment
complex in La Ronge. Renovations will be done at a cost of more than $1
million and work will begin immediately converting the two 24 unit
apartment complexes to a student residence. Completion is expected for
late March 2003. The two 24 unit buildings will house approximately 86
students.
"Economical family housing for students will have immediate benefits for La
Ronge and long term opportunities for all of the North," Northern Affairs
Minister Buckley Belanger said. "Our $900,000 contribution from Northern
Affairs and the Centenary Fund is a long-term investment in northern people
and in infrastructure improvement."
"This student residence will help northerners pursue an education.
Students can now tap into better academic and family support," NORTEP
Director Elie Fleury said.
"This gives us greater control of costs and facilities," NORTEP Chairman
Bruce Ruelling said, "and it will enhance the post-secondary opportunities
for northern Saskatchewan."
"The availability of quality student housing allows them to better focus on
their studies," Learning Minister Jim Melenchuk said. "This is a
commitment to the future of northern students."
Provincial government support is coming from the Northern Affairs Northern
Development Fund with $250,000 for a loan mortgage. $650,000 is being
provided from the provincial government Centenary Fund. The Centenary Fund
was created in 2000-01 as a four year $120 million fund to support projects
leading up to Saskatchewan's Centenary in 2005. Each year $5 million of
the Centenary Fund is used for projects in the North.
Another $460,000 in funding for the conversion of the apartment units to a
student residence comes from an anonymous donor. That funding is being
held in trust.
NORTEP has provided training for teachers accredited by the University of
Saskatchewan and the University of Regina since 1976 with almost 300
graduates since inception. About three quarters of the graduates live and
teach in the North and about 85 per cent of graduates through the program
are of Aboriginal descent.
Increasing housing costs required NORTEP to explore more adequate housing
at reasonable costs. Housing costs have been increasing, applying
budgetary pressures on the educational institution.
An architect firm will be commissioned by NORTEP to oversee the project.
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For more information, contact:
Alan Parkinson Elie Fleury
Deputy Minister Director NORTEP
Northern Affairs La Ronge
Phone: (306) 787-4220 Phone: (306) 425-4411