Minister Bernier Joins Minister Draude and Mayor Fougere to Mark the Construction of New Affordable Housing to Assist Youth in Regina

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwired - May 13, 2013) - The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with the City of Regina and the Ranch Ehrlo Society, marked the start of construction of a new housing development that will assist Regina youth in housing need. The project will consist of eight bachelor style apartment units located at 1747 Montreal Street in the Heritage neighbourhood of Regina.

The Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), 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, made the announcement today.

"The Harper Government is committed to working with its partners to develop and implement local solutions to housing in Saskatchewan," said Minister Bernier. "This investment will help youth in need to access safe and affordable housing. Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security."

"Our Government is pleased to contribute to this important housing project," said Minister Draude. "Saskatchewan is leading the nation in economic growth, and affordable, appropriate housing is needed to enable our province to continue to grow. We are proud to work with the Government of Canada, the City of Regina and the Ranch Ehrlo Society so Saskatchewan youth have a safe housing environment in which to plan for their future."

"It is so fitting that during our Housing Summit in Regina, we are able to announce this affordable housing project," said Mayor Michael Fougere on behalf of City Council and the residents of Regina. "This is a great example of the power of partnerships as our city works together with the Province of Saskatchewan and the Government of Canada to create housing solutions."

The total cost of the development is approximately $933,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, are contributing a combined total of $768,000. The City of Regina is contributing $80,000 through a municipal grant, with Ranch Ehrlo Society providing the funding balance of approximately $85,000 through cash and land equity.

The project will be called CHAZ Court in honour of Dale Chastkiewicz, former chair of Ehrlo Community Services who dedicated seven years in support of Ranch Ehrlo and continues to help the community.

"CHAZ Court is designed to assist young singles transition from care, whether it be foster, group or an institutional program to independent living," said Ranch Ehrlo Vice-President of Residential Services Malcolm Neill. "Ranch Ehrlo Society sees the need for this style of housing for our youth leaving treatment and for young people in the community who have just entered the work force, left home, or started school. These roughly 200-square feet, single occupancy apartments will provide affordable housing and allow people a greater amount of independence."

This funding comes as a result of the $55 million Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2011-2014 Agreement. Under the agreement, the Province of Saskatchewan will use the funds to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.

Economic Action Plan 2013 continues this commitment with a proposed federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. Funds provided to provinces and territories through IAH agreements will support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. More than 136,000 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011-December 31, 2012.

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 594,000 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.

Since March 2011, the Government of Saskatchewan has committed $344 million to housing initiatives. It is expected that these investments will result in over 12,600 new and rejuvenated units throughout 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 and follow us on Twitter.