STATION 20 WEST PROJECT PROCEEDS

Released on September 4, 2007

Residents of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods today celebrated two major urban renewal initiatives.

Premier Lorne Calvert joined government and community dignitaries to unveil plans for the "Station 20 West" Community Enterprise Centre, and announce the completion of an affordable rental housing project in the King George neighbourhood.

"Our government recognizes the need for additional supports in communities where the need is greatest, and we are committed to putting those supports in place," Calvert said. "These projects will make an immeasurable difference to residents, by making essential health and community services more accessible to them."

The Community Enterprise Centre will offer a range of health and community services that promote healthy living and provide supports for families and services for social and economic development. It will be located on 20th Street West between Avenues K and L, a location accessible to residents of five core neighbourhoods; Riversdale, King George, Pleasant Hill, Caswell Hill and Westmount.

"Station 20 West will encourage development of safer, more caring neighbourhoods," Health Minister Len Taylor said. "By making services more easily available, it will provide opportunities for people to adopt healthier lifestyles and build a better future for their families. Years from now, we will view the creation of Station 20 West as a turning point in the history of Saskatoon's core neighbourhoods."

The Centre will be built through a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon Regional Health Authority (RHA), City of Saskatoon, Quint Development Corporation and CHEP Good Food Incorporated. It will include a community-owned co-operative food store, health and dental services, childcare, community kitchen and community gardens. The Centre will be adjacent to a branch of the Saskatoon Public Library and a fifty-five unit affordable housing development.

"Saskatoon Regional Health Authority has recognized in its strategic plan that we have unmet health needs in some of our core neighbourhoods," RHA Chair Darlene Eberle said. "The strong partners we have in the Station West revitalization program will help us to begin to address some of those needs. We are pleased to be involved in the plan."

The Government of Saskatchewan committed $8 million to the project, as part of a $100 million plan to revitalize Saskatchewan neighbourhoods which was announced in February. In August, the City of Saskatoon approved the land transfer to Station 20 West. A fundraising campaign is being launched to cover the remainder of the estimated $12.6 million cost of construction. Station 20 West is expected to open in 2009.

The Premier also applauded the completion of a $360,000 four-unit affordable housing project on Avenue I South. It provides rental units to families, close to schools, parks and services. Saskatoon Housing Authority acquired and renovated the building on behalf of the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

Through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program, approximately $145,000 was contributed by the provincial government, $36,000 by the City of Saskatoon, and the remainder by the federal government. Together with the housing units already under construction beside Station 20 West, it will help residents achieve or maintain independence.

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For more information, contact:

Joan Petrie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083

Paul Wilkinson
Station 20 West Development Corp
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-343-9378

Lisa Squires
Saskatoon Health Region
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-3283

Trudy Jackson
Community Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4011