Funding for northern housing announced
- EFN Staff | June 14, 2017
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan have both provided funding to help housing initiatives in northern Saskatchewan.
The federal and provincial governments have provided a combined investment of more than $7 million to the communities of La Loche, Île-à-la-Crosse, La Ronge, and Pinehouse Lake.
This investment will assist in the development of up to 44 affordable rental units and the rejuvenation of eight emergency shelter units to help address housing challenges in these northern Saskatchewan communities.
“The Northern Village of La Loche is greatly appreciative of the federal and provincial governments' funding support toward our community’s 14-unit housing project,” Northern Village of La Loche Mayor Robert St. Pierre said. “We are also pleased that, once again, Methy Housing Corporation has demonstrated its capacity by constructing all 14 units entirely with local labour. We look forward in anticipation to continued support in providing additional, much-needed housing units for our residents.”
Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Tina Beaudry-Mellor, made the announcement.
“Through investments in affordable housing, our government is helping to build stronger communities in northern Saskatchewan by providing assistance to those who need it most,” said Goodale. “Projects like these will provide more than just safe and affordable places to live, they are key to a better life for the residents who will call them home.”
“We recognize that housing is a core need to create healthier communities,” Beaudry-Mellor said. “The benefits that will be realized as a result of these housing initiatives are substantial.
These projects target households in need and follow through on our government’s promise to make communities stronger and to improve the quality of life of our northern residents. We are pleased to work with the Government of Canada, municipalities and other community partners to make these projects a reality and keep Saskatchewan strong.”
“The Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse appreciates the funding support received from the federal and provincial governments for these projects,” Northern Village of Île-à-la-Crosse Mayor Duane Favel said. “Without it, we wouldn’t be able to move forward. Providing adequate housing is absolutely necessary to the health, safety and wellness of our northern communities.”
“Piwapan Womens Shelter has been an integral part of La Ronge for many years and has served all of our northern communities extremely well in providing emergency shelter and support for women fleeing family violence,” Town of La Ronge Mayor Ron Woytowich said. “The funding they will receive provides for needed renovations that will provide greater accessibility for women with disabilities, and for expansion of their present building increasing their capacity greatly. As a community, we welcome this financial support.”
“The Northern Village of
Pinehouse Lake appreciates the support from the Governments of Canada and
Saskatchewan to help meet the need for housing in our community,” Northern
Village of Pinehouse Lake Mayor Mike Natomagan said. “We are grateful for
the opportunity to train workers and build a complex for our seniors to enjoy
for years to come.”
Quick Facts:
- Working with northern stakeholders, the federal and provincial governments have invested in the following housing projects to meet various community needs:
- Methy Housing Corporation – La Loche Action Plan (opening of 14-unit affordable housing project for individuals and families in La Loche);
- La Loche Elders’ Project (funding announcement for six-unit housing project for elders in La Loche);
- Northern Student Build House (two homes constructed by participating school divisions in La Loche and Île-à-la-Crosse);
- SDC Property Management Family Housing Project (opening of five housing units for families in Île-à-la-Crosse);
- La Ronge Native Womens’ Council (funding announcement for Piwapan Women’s Shelter addition and renovation work to their present shelter in La Ronge); and
- Pinehouse Housing Corporation Elders’ Complex (opening of 12-unit affordable housing project for elders in Pinehouse Lake).