Released on August 12, 2005
A new 24-unit seniors housing project has been approved for Unity under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program."The Government of Canada is committed to helping our seniors live their lives as independently and fully as possible through projects like this," Finance Minister and Member of Parliament Ralph Goodale said on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing.
"This project will have on-site support and services to provide help to our seniors," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "This is what HomeFirst delivers to our seniors – the independence to live their lives in safe, affordable housing."
"The community has worked long and hard to realize this goal and now this important project is becoming reality," project chairman Ken Neil said. "The citizens of Unity and seniors in particular will be happy. It will put an end to moving our seniors out of the community."
The project is a single-level apartment building for seniors, both single and couples. The building will provide approximately 19,000 square feet of living area and will include 20 bachelor and four larger units. The estimated capital cost of the project is $3.5 million. The Unity and District Senior's Lodge Project Inc. (Unity) is a registered non-profit organization. To date, this group has raised $1.6 million, through both donations and pledges from the municipalities for this project.
The project has been approved under CAHP for $960,000 to finance a total capital cost estimated at $3.5 million. The breakdown of the CAHP contribution has Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation contributing $480,000; the provincial government $384,000; the municipal government $96,000 with the balance of the funding coming in fundraising of $1.6 million to date and the balance provided by mortgage financing. Construction on the project is tentatively set to begin September 15th with occupancy expected to start by July 1st, 2006.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Greg Urbanoski Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-4011 Cell: (306)537-2879 | Jason Cobb Canada Mortgage and Housing Calgary Phone: (403) 515-2903 |