Federal and Provincial Governments Support Housing Projects in Northern Saskatchewan

“We recognize that housing is a core need to create healthier communities,” Beaudry-Mellor said.  “The benefits that will be realized as a result of these housing initiatives are substantial.  These projects target households in need and follow through on our government’s promise to make communities stronger and to improve the quality of life of our northern residents.  We are pleased to work with the Government of Canada, municipalities and other community partners to make these projects a reality and keep Saskatchewan strong.”

“The Northern Village of La Loche is greatly appreciative of the federal and provincial governments' funding support toward our community’s 14-unit housing project,” Northern Village of La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre said.  “We are also pleased that, once again, Methy Housing Corporation has demonstrated its capacity by constructing all 14 units entirely with local labour.  We look forward in anticipation to continued support in providing additional, much-needed housing units for our residents.”

“The Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse appreciates the funding support received from the federal and provincial governments for these projects,” Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse Mayor Duane Favel said.  “Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move forward.  Providing adequate housing is absolutely necessary to the health, safety and wellness of our northern communities.”

“Piwapan Womens Shelter has been an integral part of La Ronge for many years and has served all of our northern communities extremely well in providing emergency shelter and support for women fleeing family violence,” Town of La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said.  “The funding they will receive provides for needed renovations that will provide greater accessibility for women with disabilities, and for expansion of their present building increasing their capacity greatly.  As a community, we welcome this financial support.”

“The Northern Village of Pinehouse Lake appreciates the support from the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to help meet the need for housing in our community,” Northern Village of Pinehouse Lake Mayor Mike Natomagan said.  “We are grateful for the opportunity to train workers and build a complex for our seniors to enjoy for years to come.”

Quick Facts:

• Working with northern stakeholders, the federal and provincial governments have invested in the following housing projects to meet various community needs:
  • Methy Housing Corporation – La Loche Action Plan (opening of 14-unit affordable housing project for individuals and families in La Loche);
  • La Loche Elders’ Project (funding announcement for six-unit housing project for elders in La Loche);
  • Northern Student Build House (two homes constructed by participating school divisions in La Loche and Île-à-la-Crosse);
  • SDC Property Management Family Housing Project (opening of five housing units for families in Île-à-la-Crosse);
  • La Ronge Native Womens’ Council (funding announcement for Piwapan Women’s Shelter addition and renovation work to their present shelter in La Ronge); and
  • Pinehouse Housing Corporation Elders’ Complex (opening of 12-unit affordable housing project for elders in Pinehouse Lake).
• Since 2007, the federal and provincial governments have provided a combined investment of more than $26 million to support housing in the communities of La Loche, Île-à-la-Crosse, La Ronge and Air Ronge, and Pinehouse Lake, including the creation of 176 affordable rental units, 49 homeownership units, and assistance with repairs for 284 homeowners, 54 renters, and eight women fleeing domestic violence.
• SHC supports the growth of a stronger housing market in the North by increasing housing supply, providing housing support to individuals and families in greatest need, enhancing strategic planning for housing and creating opportunities for private sector investment in affordable housing.
• This investment supports the Saskatchewan Housing Strategy and Poverty Reduction Strategy goal of ensuring Saskatchewan people have affordable, safe, secure and stable housing.

Associated links:

• CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years.  As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry.  Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC’s operations.  For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca or follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• In October 2012, 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.  Since 2007, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested more than $750 million to develop or repair more than 15,500 housing units across our 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
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Calgary
Phone: 403-515-2962
Email: yong@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca

Émilie Gauduchon
Office of Minister Duclos
Ottawa
Phone: 819-654-5546
Email: Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca