A combined investment of $6.7 million from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan will be devoted to Saskatchewan households in greatest need.
They are working together with the aim of delivering more affordable housing solutions.
This funding will help create more than 53 affordable housing units through seven projects in seven communities, including:
- $2.54 million for the Northern Town of La Ronge – 10 affordable rental units for seniors in La Ronge;
- $1.1 million for Pinehouse Housing Corporation – nine rental housing units for families in Pinehouse Lake;
- $765,500 for Stewart Properties – 10-unit affordable co-housing project in Saskatoon for pre- and post-natal women living with or at risk of HIV;
- $640,000 for Methy Housing Corporation – six rental housing units for single-parent families in La Loche;
- $612,500 for Canadian Mental Health Association, Prince Albert – six units for individuals with complex needs and mental illness;
- $570,000 for Gabriel Housing Corporation – six units in Regina for families with complex needs who require support services to live independently; and
- $500,000 for Battleford Indian and Métis Friendship Centre – eight-unit co-housing project for homeless individuals.
The announcement was made by several government officials at the future site of a 10 unit affordable cohousing project for pre and post-natal women living with or at risk of HIV.
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“We’re making investments in affordable housing because we believe everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This groundbreaking ceremony at Sanctum 1.5 marks the start of a truly innovative affordable housing project for pre- and post-natal women in this community,” The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Status of Women said.
“Our government is pleased to support the growth of a stronger housing market in Saskatchewan by increasing housing supply, providing housing support to individuals and families in greatest need and creating opportunities for private sector investment in affordable housing. Together with our partners, these seven projects will help Saskatchewan people live in dignity and comfort, and continue to keep Saskatchewan strong,” Greg Lawrence, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Social Services and MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow said.
In a statement, the Mayor of Saskatoon, Charlie Clark said, “The opening of this new housing complex is a positive investment because what is opening today is so much more than a home. The announcement today represents a pathway to a strong quality of life for some of our most vulnerable citizens with housing and community supports being offered together. Safe housing is important for everyone, and I would like to thank Stewart Properties and Sanctum for collaborating to deliver on such an important initiative for our entire community.”
Tyler Stewart, President of Stewart Properties, also added, “As an affordable housing provider, we are extremely honoured to be a part of Sanctum 1.5. This 10-bed boarding house for pregnant mothers with HIV is the first of its kind in Canada.
Stewart explained, “The aggressive goals of Sanctum 1.5 are to help prevent children from entering the foster care system, give mothers a new and unique opportunity to parent their children like never before, and to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV to the baby. We are grateful for a dedicated team who helped bring this initiative to fruition, along with the various levels of government for their financial contribution. If this initiative can be a catalyst for change, it’s exciting to be a part of.”