Government of Canada Press Release

Two New Affordable Housing Projects Announced in Regina
REGINA, SK, January 17, 2007 – The federal and provincial governments announced details today of two new affordable housing projects that will provide approximately $2.2 million, under the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), for the construction of a total of forty-two new apartment units to assist some of Regina's most vulnerable people. CAHP funding for... Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission is being provided by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) and the City of Regina.

"Canada's New Government recognizes the importance of affordable housing," said Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina – Qu'Appelle, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "We are pleased to be working with our partners to extend a helping hand to those lower income individuals and families in Regina that are working towards building a better future."

"Today's announcement is about helping more Regina residents live in safe, affordable homes and making life better for today's families," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Warren McCall, on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The new... Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission projects mark a new beginning for vulnerable households as they work towards building independence. These projects clearly exemplify what our HomeFirst housing policy framework is all about."

"These affordable housing projects are great examples of what can be accomplished when government and community work together to improve living conditions and quality of life for residents in Regina's inner city neighbourhoods," Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. "The... Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission affordable housing project fits well with City Council's long range vision of a city that is attractive, generous, affordable, accessible, compact and competitive, where people can thrive in opportunity."

The Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission project, to be constructed in the 1600 block of Angus Street, will consist of thirty apartment-style units to house homeless men and women with children. The Soul's Harbour Rescue Mission is both sponsor and owner of the project.

Total cost for this project is approximately $1.8 million, of which approximately $1.5 million was provided under CAHP by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Additional funding was of $150,000 was contributed by the Government of Canada's National Homelessness Initiative, with the City of Regina providing a five-year tax abatement.

CAHP is funded under the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement. It provides approximately $33 million in federal funding for affordable housing, which is matched by Saskatchewan, municipalities and other partners. With these matching contributions, a total of over $66 million will be committed by 2007 – 2008 for affordable housing.