Released on July 22, 2013
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along with H. Zamonsky Insurance Ltd., celebrated the official opening of a new affordable rental housing project for moderate-income families in North Battleford. The development, called Project 104, consists of eight two-bedroom units in two four-plexes located on 104th Street.
The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Member of Parliament for Battlefords–Lloydminster Gerry Ritz, on behalf of Minister of State (Social Development) Candice Bergen, along with Member of the Legislative Assembly for The Battlefords Herb Cox, on behalf of Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) June Draude, made the announcement today.
“Our government is investing in affordable housing here in North Battleford and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for Canadians,” Ritz said. “With our partners we are helping families in need while contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community.”
“Our Government is pleased to work with the Government of Canada and H. Zamonsky Insurance to help meet the need for safe, quality and affordable housing in North Battleford,” Cox said. “We have always believed in the importance of partnering to make a difference in people’s lives. These new homes are a testament to the people who conceived of the project, and those who will be served by it in the future.”
”I have been providing rental accommodations to the people of the Battlefords for 47 years and there is a need for affordable housing,” President of H. Zamonsky Insurance Ltd. Harry Zamonsky said. “Young couples starting out often have education loans, transportation loans and the like, which make it difficult for them to balance their budgets. My staff and I are proud of this housing project which will help provide people with top rate accommodations at affordable rates. I am honoured to be a part of this project with the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.”
“Affordable housing is one of the highest priorities identified by city mayors across the province,” City of North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton said. “I am grateful for the partnering of the two senior levels of government and Mr. Zamonsky that has created an additional eight rental units for North Battleford’s housing inventory, addressing a need to service moderate-income families. I commend all who worked to make this project a reality.”
The total project cost is approximately $1 million. The Government of Canada, through CMHC, and the Province of Saskatchewan, through SHC contributed a combined total of $320,000 to the project. The province continues to work with the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors to help develop new housing opportunities in communities. Since November 2007, 131 affordable rental units have been completed in The Battlefords, including Project 104 which is owned and operated by H. Zamonsky Insurance Ltd., an established landlord and property manager in North Battleford.
This funding comes as a result of the $55 million Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2011-2014 Agreement. Under the agreement, the province of Saskatchewan will use the funds to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.
Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a proposed federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. Funds provided to provinces and territories through IAH agreements will support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 136,000 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to December 31, 2012.
Annually, the Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents an estimated 28,000 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the IAH. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
Last October, the government of Saskatchewan released the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth: Vision 2020 and Beyond, which sets out the government’s vision for a province of 1.2 million people by 2020. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. Under the Plan, the province has invested $344 million to help create 12,600 new housing units and repair or upgrade approximately 24,000 more housing units around the province.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Young Ong
CMHC
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-2962
Email: yong@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca