Released on June 12, 2013
The on-going effort to meet the continuing demand for housing in northern Saskatchewan is the focus of the 2013 Northern Housing Summit being held June 12-13, in Prince Albert. Presented by New North – Saskatchewan Association of Northern Services Inc. and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, the summit will engage interested participants in identifying housing challenges and solutions specific to the North.
“The summit’s theme, Planning and Partnerships for Progress, is most appropriate because planning and partnerships go hand in hand when it comes to addressing Saskatchewan’s housing challenges,” Carrot River MLA Fred Bradshaw said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. “As part of Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth, we need a range of responses to meet the differing needs of communities across the province, including the North. That is why we are happy to participate in this summit so we can collectively create a workable blueprint to improve housing in the North.”
“Northern Saskatchewan is a unique place,” New North Saskatchewan Association of Northern Services Inc. Chief Executive Officer Al Loke said. “We are pleased to see the Government of Saskatchewan partnering with northerners to help find unique solutions to northern housing issues.”
The Northern Housing Summit will bring northerners together with housing sector representatives to explore northern housing topics, needs and issues and identify solutions through partnerships and planning. Agenda topics include Community Plans and Land Use Planning; Local Housing Action Plans; Financing for Homeownership or Rental Projects; State of Housing in Canada; Housing as Business; Education (development, ownership, municipal capacity); and Community Economic Development. It is hoped discussions at the summit will contribute to the province’s eight-year housing strategy with achievable plans and solutions for improving housing in northern Saskatchewan.
Planning committee members for this summit include representatives from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), New North – Saskatchewan Association of Northern Services Inc. (New North - SANC Services Inc.), Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Northern Municipal Services, the Northern Village of La Loche, and managers of northern housing authorities.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Al Loke
New North - SANC Services Inc.
La Ronge
Cell: 306-425-8800