Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Regina

REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN--(Marketwire - April 20, 2012) - Ray Boughen, Member of Parliament for Palliser, 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 Member of the Legislative Assembly for Regina Douglas Park, Russ Marchuk, on behalf of the Honourable June Draude, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, today announced support for a local housing initiative for people with disabilities.

Funding of $3.84 million has been made available for the initiative through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $132 million under the amended Canada-Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

"Our Government is proud to support people with disabilities by investing in programs that meet their needs and are of benefit to the entire community," said MP Boughen. "These new affordable rental units provide a safe place for residents to call home and I am delighted that they are accessible for those of all abilities."

"This project will give Regina's individuals with chronic mental health conditions and cognitive disabilities, a strong foundation to stabilize their lives and build their futures," MLA Marchuk said. "It is also aligned with a number of strategic priorities that were outlined in the Provincial Housing Strategy, which our government released in August 2011. These priorities include the need to increase housing supply, to improve housing affordability and to support individuals and families in greatest housing need."

The project is a three storey, multi-use building located at 2035 Osler Street in Regina's Heritage neighbourhood. Commercial space is available at street level, with 40 affordable rental units on the two upper floors. The units are designed and designated for people with serious mental health conditions and cognitive disabilities who require supports to live independently.

The project is sponsored and organized by the Ranch Ehrlo Society, a non-profit charitable organization that serves children and families throughout Saskatchewan. Support services are provided by Phoenix Residential Society. This is a unique partnership in Regina, with two community groups coming together to meet an identified need.

"Ranch Ehrlo is extremely proud to have worked with the federal and provincial governments, the City of Regina, Phoenix Residential Society, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Schizophrenia Society of Saskatchewan, as well as the Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region to begin to fill a gap originally identified in the 2007 Regina Community Plan - A Home for All," Ranch Ehrlo Vice President of Residential Services Malcolm Neill said. "As Regina's housing markets continues to tighten, solutions will need this level of collaboration to ensure all citizens have a place to call home."

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 615,000 households living in existing social housing. In Saskatchewan, this represents some 32,600 households. 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.

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.