Affordable Rental Housing Re-Opens in Moose Jaw

MOOSE JAW, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - Sept. 8, 2014) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with Saskatchewan Elks Foundation, today celebrated the completion of the project to rehabilitate 20 rental units in Moose Jaw. These units received significant electrical repairs, resulting in safe and affordable housing for seniors with moderate-income.

Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Greg Lawrence, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Moose Jaw Wakamow, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Humboldt, made the announcement.

"I am delighted to see that the construction is complete on this project," said MP Boughen. "The combined investments in affordable housing here in Moose Jaw improve the quality of life for those who need it most and also contribute to the economic and social well-being of the entire community."

"Today marks an exciting day for access to safe and affordable housing for seniors in Moose Jaw," said MLA Lawrence. "This completed project is a testament to the power of partnerships, and the value they have in developing new and improved housing opportunities. Our Government is proud to support opportunities like this that will improve housing affordability, and support individuals and families in greatest housing need."

"Thanks to volunteerism and the hard work of our Member Lodges, and support of both levels of government, our residents can now officially call these beautiful, quality units 'home'," said Executive Administrator of Saskatchewan Elks Foundation Charlotte Watson. "Our residents are so very excited to see the completion of these units that will meet their housing needs both now and well into the future."

The total cost of renovations to 20 one-bedroom suites in 10 duplexes is close to $588,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed a combined total of approximately $450,000. Saskatchewan Elks Foundation Corp. provided the funding balance in equity.

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. From April 2011 to March 2014, close to 184,000 households have benefited from this investment nationally, including 1,673 households in Saskatchewan.

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 $326 million to develop more than 5,600 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.