Specialized housing made available in North Battleford
- EFN Staff | October 17, 2014
The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan, along
with the City of North Battleford, the Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc. and
North Battleford Transitional Living Inc., today celebrated the completion of a
new rental project in North Battleford. The two-storey eight, unit
bachelor-style apartments are directed at Aboriginal individuals with physical
disabilities, addiction issues or mental health challenges who are in housing
need.
The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along
with Herb Cox, Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Battlefords, on
behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and
Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the
announcement.
"Our Government is committed to working with Saskatchewan so that our
federal investments in housing are directed towards their local needs and
priorities," said Minister Bergen. "With the completion of this new
rental project, North Battleford has more quality, affordable housing
available."
"This project is an outstanding example of our shared commitment with the
Government of Canada, the City of North Battleford, the Battleford Agency
Tribal Chiefs Inc. and North Battleford Transitional Living to help meet the
need for housing in North Battleford and, most importantly, improve the
well-being of the people who live here," MLA Cox said. "There is no
question that these homes meet the goals set out in the Saskatchewan Plan for
Growth, which includes helping to change people's lives for the better through
affordable and appropriate housing."
"The City of North Battleford is pleased to partner with our federal and
provincial governments, the Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs Community
Development Corporation, and the North Battleford Transitional Living
Initiative to provide access to affordable housing opportunities for people who
are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and help them transition to
independent living," North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton said. "The
City of North Battleford has worked hard to make this housing project a reality
and I'm grateful for the contributions of all our partners in offering a
hand-up to those most in need in our city."
The City of North Battleford managed the pre-development and development of the
building and has transferred the project to the North Battleford Transitional
Living Inc. Each apartment has a separate entrance, a built-in kitchen and a
private bathroom.
The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC) and the Province of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing
Corporation, contributed a combined total of $425,000 through the Investment in
Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement. Employment and Social Development
Canada also contributed $474,000 under the Homelessness Partnering Strategy.
The City of North Battleford donated the land and professional services.
Financial assistance was provided by Battleford Agency Tribal Chiefs Inc.