Jun 3 2013
Renovations are finished on a 17-unit apartment block for individuals in housing need. Located at 345 River Street West in Prince Albert, the building consists of six one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom units. The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along with P. A. Community Housing Society Inc. (PACHSI) marked the completion today.
Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert, 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 Victoria Jurgens, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Prince Albert Northcote, on behalf of the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
“Repairing rental properties not only helps to build strong and healthy communities but most importantly, it improves the quality of life for residents,” said MP Hoback. “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.”
“As Prince Albert continues to grow, so does the need for various types of housing,” said MLA Jurgens. “We are proud to work with the Government of Canada and P. A. Community Housing Society Inc. to maintain existing rental housing in this community and ensure that it remains viable for future generations. Improving housing availability and affordability is an important component of Saskatchewan’s Plan for Growth.”
“In the spring of 2011, PACHSI purchased Riverview Apartments which required extensive repairs,” PACHSI Manager Linda Boyer said. “The suites were then stripped to the bare walls and completely rebuilt. Kudos to our maintenance department and volunteers from Riverbend Institution for completing the majority of the renovations. We also thank the federal and provincial governments for providing the funding for this project. Without these partnerships, projects to rehabilitate older buildings would not be possible or affordable.”
The total cost of the building renovations is approximately $476,000. The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed a combined total of $340,000. P. A. Community Housing Society Inc. provided the funding balance of $136,000 through cash equity.
Repairs included improvements to bathrooms, new kitchen cabinets, flooring, and painting, as well as the replacement of windows and patio doors, installation of a new boiler and electrical system upgrades. A video intercom and surveillance system was also installed to ensure the building is safe and secure for tenants.
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.
Last October, 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. Under the Plan, the province has invested $344 million to help create 12,600 new housing units and repair or upgrade approximately 24,000 more housing units 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.