AFFORDABLE RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT APPROVED FOR NORTH BATTLEFORD

Released on September 12, 2006

An affordable rental housing project for families and vulnerable youth has been approved for the Nationswest Housing Corporation in North Battleford under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP) Non Profit Rental Option.

The proposed project is for the acquisition and renovation of four apartment buildings in North Battleford. A total of 89 affordable rental housing suites will be made available. Nationswest Housing Corporation is a non-profit corporation established by the Battlefords Tribal Council in partnership with the City of North Battleford.

"A home of one's own provides an important foundation for a family," said Gerry Ritz, Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada. "Canada's new Government is making sure families have what they need to build a successful future and this initiative will build a bright future for families in North Battleford."

"This project has truly brought together all levels of government to meet this community's specific housing needs," Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "Today's announcement goes far beyond a dollar figure. This is a good example of what HomeFirst, the province's housing strategy, is all about. We are building a lasting, sustainable community and allowing low-income households to pursue a happy, healthy and prosperous future."

"We are very pleased with the co-operation and support we have received from the City of North Battleford and the Town of Battleford," Lucky Man Cree Nation Chief Pauline Okemow said. "We have also been extremely impressed by the constructive support provided by senior staff at the Saskatoon office of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Minister Buckley Belanger."

"Society has the social and moral obligation to support initiatives that assist individuals to achieve the opportunity to live in dignity. I am pleased to support the opportunity to provide affordable housing accommodation for our residents," North Battleford Mayor Julian Sadlowski said.

The apartment buildings are located at 1922, 1942 and 1952 St. Laurent Drive and 10809 Diefenbaker Drive in North Battleford.

The total capital cost estimated for the 89-unit housing project is $2,843,000 or $31,950 per unit. Under CAHP, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is contributing $1,201,500; the provincial government $961,200; the City of North Battleford $240,300 with the balance of the funding being provided by Nationswest Housing Corporation in the form of mortgage financing of $140,000 and sponsor equity of $300,000. A further $267,000 ($3,000 per unit for 89 units) will be invested by Nationswest Housing Corporation in upgrading the buildings over the next three years.

CAHP is part of HomeFirst, the Government of Saskatchewan's five-year housing strategy that contributes to the long-term vision that all citizens have homes that promote health, independence, security and dignity.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Kimberlee Jones Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Calgary Phone: (403) 515-3048

Linda Saliken Community Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-0246