AFFORDABLE SENIORS' HOUSING IN YORKTON

Released on September 26, 2002

There will be more affordable housing for seniors in Yorkton, thanks to an

innovative funding arrangement involving intergovernmental Centenary

Affordable Housing Program and seniors themselves.



Fairview Arms, a $5 million, 50-unit seniors' project on 5th Avenue South,

Yorkton was officially opened today.



The Centenary Affordable Housing Program provided $2.75 million in

government funding for Fairview Arms, under the auspices of the Canada-

Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The City of Yorkton

contributed $275,000. The residents of Fairview Arms provided the rest of

the funding by investing equity from their former homes.



"Today's ceremony is tangible demonstration of the significant support of

the Government of Canada to ensure affordable housing for the people of

Saskatchewan," Minister of Public Works and Government Services Ralph

Goodale said, on behalf of Minister of Transport and Minister responsible

for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation David Collenette. "The recent

affordable housing agreement reached with Saskatchewan is a key part of the

Government of Canada's $680 million affordable housing commitment across

Canada."



"The province has been working closely with communities over the past

number of years to develop innovative, cost-effective housing solutions,"

Saskatchewan Social Services Minister Glenn Hagel said. "Fairview Arms is

the latest in a series of housing projects tailored to address the unique

needs of individual Saskatchewan communities. As we look forward to the

province's Centenary in 2005, the recent establishment of the Centenary

Affordable Housing Program will increase Saskatchewan residents' access to

adequate, affordable housing."



"The City of Yorkton recognizes the need for new affordable housing for

seniors," Yorkton Mayor Phil DeVos said. "Our partnership with the federal

and provincial governments is evidence of their concern and commitment to

our city."



Most of the provincial government funding for the Centenary Affordable

Housing Program is being drawn 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.



The Fairview Arms facility will be able to accommodate the delivery of

special services, such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and recreation, at

the discretion of residents. This will translate into more independence

and an enhanced quality of life for residents.



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.



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For more information, contact:



Brian Miller

Saskatchewan Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-0531



Mary Ann Kenney

CMHC

Phone: (403) 515-2903



William Hawkins

Property Manager

City of Yorkton

Phone: (306) 786-1723