Affordable Housing for Youth-Chaz Court Officially Opens in Regina

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - June 17, 2014) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with the City of Regina and Ranch Ehrlo Society, today celebrated the official opening of Chaz Court, a new affordable rental housing project for youth in housing need. Located at 1747 Montreal Street, the project consists of eight bachelor style apartments and is named in honour of Dale Chastkiewicz, who served on Ranch Ehrlo's board for eight years and continues to support its work in the community.

The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State for Social Development; along with the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and His Worship Michael Fougere, Mayor of the City of Regina, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is proud to invest in innovative projects like Chaz Court," said Minister Bergen. "We will continue to make smart investments to ensure that our youth have every chance to succeed. "

"These apartments will provide young people with an opportunity to build their futures, beginning with a safe place to call home," said Minister Harpauer. "This is an important part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, which aims to build a better province for all Saskatchewan citizens. We are privileged to work with the Government of Canada, the City of Regina, and Ranch Ehrlo Society to help make this happen and, most importantly, support those in greatest housing need."

"In-fill housing and affordable housing are two major priorities for our City Council," said Mayor Fougere. "Chaz Court is a phenomenal example of how new housing models can be found to address our needs in those areas. Giving young people who are transitioning to living on their own a chance to find their own way is an incredible opportunity for our youth as well."

The cost of the development is approximately $933,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) provided a combined investment of $768,000. In addition, the City of Regina contributed $80,000 through a municipal grant, and Ranch Ehrlo Society provided the funding balance of approximately $85,000 through cash and land equity.

"Ranch Ehrlo Society is proud to have partnered with the Government of Canada, the Province of Saskatchewan, and the City of Regina to make this housing development become a reality," said Malcolm Neill, Vice-President of Residential Services. "Chaz Court will be a great home to young people as they move toward greater independence and into the early years of adulthood."

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 600,000 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 Investment in Affordable Housing. 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. Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. Close to 177,600 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, 2013.

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 2011, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $256 million to develop more than 4,500 units and repair more than 24,300 homes 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.