Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Celebrate Opening of Renewed Affordable Housing in Regina

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - Oct. 10, 2012) - Tom Lukiwski, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of Government in the House of Commons and Member of Parliament for Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), today announced support for a local housing initiative for seniors.

Funding in the amount of $3.2 million has been made available for the Milton Heights renovation initiative through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The Saskatchewan government is contributing a further $12.3 million towards the total $19.7 million cost of the project.

"The Harper Government is providing a hand-up to those who need it most here in Regina and in all corners of the country," said PS Lukiwski. "Funding projects like Milton Heights will not only improve the overall housing conditions for seniors and vulnerable adults in Regina, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs."

"Our government is proud to support this project," said Minister Draude. "Seniors and vulnerable adults and families, deserve safe, affordable housing options, and we are committed to working with our many partners in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors to address housing needs across our province. This Milton Heights project is another important step in that process."

The Milton Heights project, located at 1100 Broadway Avenue in Regina, consists of 135 rental units for moderate income seniors and vulnerable adults and families. The facility, originally built in 1957, has been completely renovated, and contains a mix of bachelor, one-bedroom and two-bedroom barrier free/accessible living units.

"We are grateful to have been able to partner with the federal and provincial governments and look forward to exploring opportunities to partner with the City of Regina as we further develop our affordable, accessible community at Milton Heights, "said Jill Beatty, CEO, Eden Care Communities, Inc.

The amendment to the Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which included funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $74 million to the province. The Government of Saskatchewan is matching that commitment for a total of $148 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Saskatchewan, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $344 million since March 2011 to housing initiatives. These investments are expected to result in more than 12,600 new and rejuvenated housing units in the province.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents some 29,900 households. 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.

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.