AFFORDABLE HOUSING TO BENEFIT PLEASANT HILL NEIGHBOURHOOD

Released on April 27, 2007

Low-income residents of Saskatoon’s Pleasant Hill neighbourhood will have more affordable housing with the renovation of two apartment blocks by the Central Urban Métis Federation Inc. (CUMFI), with federal, provincial and municipal funding through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP).

“We are extremely proud to be a partner in this important project that will help make life better for Saskatoon families,” Premier Lorne Calvert said.  “Quality, affordable housing and long-term, meaningful improvements in our neighbourhoods bring about change and renewal for communities, one block at a time.”

“Canada’s New Government recognizes the importance of affordable housing,” said the Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.  “This project will help many lower income individuals and families who are part of the Métis community in Saskatoon access quality, affordable housing and start a new page in their lives.”

“The City of Saskatoon is very pleased to support CUMFI's major initiative in Pleasant Hill which will provide stable, affordable housing to aboriginal families and single parents,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “This project happens to be within the Pleasant Hill Revitalization Area which will be undergoing significant improvement in the months ahead.  This is an exciting time, as all of these projects are building a stronger community for our residents.”

The project consists of 42 units, whereby 34 units are designated as CAHP affordable rentals and eight units as transitional housing.  The 34 affordable units are for low-income households, particularly families with children.  The undertaking involved the purchase and renovation of a 31-suite and an 11-suite apartment block.  The buildings are located at 402 and 406 Avenue P South, and are close to schools, medical and retail services.

CUMFI was approved under CAHP for $1,319,750.  The total capital cost is estimated to be $1,755,750.  The breakdown of funding is as follows: Government of Canada $1,095,875; Saskatchewan Housing Corporation $527,900; and the City of Saskatoon $131,975 (plus an additional $30,000 in building fee permit rebates and a five-year tax abatement).

CUMFI is a charitable, non-profit organization founded in 1993.  Its mandate is to offer a continuum of housing supports to encourage independence and prevent those at risk from falling into homelessness.

CAHP is funded under the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement.  It provides approximately $33 million in federal funding for affordable housing, which is matched by Saskatchewan, municipalities and other partners.  With these matching contributions, a total of over $66 million will be committed by 2007 – 2008 for the development of more than 1,300 affordable housing units.

-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

Allan Wallace
City of Saskatoon
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-975-2670