Released on August 20, 2013
An official opening for a new housing development in the Northern Village of Pinehouse Lake was held today, in conjunction with a sod-turning on a second housing project. Each project consists of five new houses, built with funding from the provincial Summit Action Fund.
“It’s very exciting to take part in the development of these new housing units in Pinehouse Lake,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. “We know northern communities face challenges in meeting the demand for safe, affordable housing, and our government is pleased to play a role in helping meet those challenges.”
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is providing $500,000 for these 10 homes from the provincial Summit Action Fund. The Fund was established in April 2011 to increase housing supply across the province through creative, flexible approaches and innovation in the housing sector. A total of $6 million has been made available to encourage housing stakeholders to propose creative housing solutions that are not currently covered under existing housing programs.
“We’re grateful for the support of the province in helping get our Home Ownership Program off the ground,” Pinehouse Lake Village Administrator Martine Smith said. “These homes, and the ones we will build in future years, will provide good quality housing for residents of our community for many years to come.”
The Pinehouse Home Ownership Program is designed as a revolving fund to develop five homes in the village on an annual basis. The program is a partnership between the province and municipality. Those benefitting from the program contribute sweat equity in the construction of their home and all other homes built in the community that year.
The Government of Saskatchewan continues to work with the for-profit and non-for-profit sectors to develop new housing opportunities in smaller Saskatchewan communities. Since November 2007, 14 affordable rental and homeownership units have been completed in Pinehouse Lake, with an additional five units currently under construction.
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For more information, contact:
Pete Paczko
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: pete.paczko@gov.sk.ca