Canadian Mortgage News

January 2007 National News Archive

Saskatoon Youth to Benefit From New Affordable Housing Acquisition and Renovation Project

SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, April 13, 2007 — Federal, provincial and community partners gathered in Saskatoon today to announce funding to purchase and renovate Cedar House, an independent-living facility which provides support to at-risk male youth aged 16 to 21. The complex received funding from all three levels of government totaling $287,300.

The project was undertaken by the John Howard Society of Saskatoon and is supported through the Centenary Affordable Housing Program (CAHP), part of Saskatchewan’s HomeFirst strategy.

“Canada's New Government is proud to help provide safe and supportive housing to vulnerable youth in Saskatoon,” said Lynne Yelich, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and Member of Parliament for Blackstrap, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “This funding is helping the John Howard Society of Saskatoon give young men hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future."

“This renovation project exemplifies what HomeFirst is all about — providing low-income Saskatchewan residents with choices to improve their lives through stable, affordable housing,” Justice Minister Frank Quennell on behalf of Community Resources Minister Buckley Belanger, said. “Creative partnerships like this help improve the quality of life in our communities. We are pleased that Saskatoon youth have another safe, affordable housing option, with the supports they need to become independent and create a life that will be fulfilling.”

"The City of Saskatoon welcomes the opportunity to be part of this acquisition and renovation project at Cedar House," Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison, said. "The greater opportunities for safe, affordable, transitional housing offered to youth by the HomeFirst strategy program is helping to build a stronger community for all residents."

The total capital cost of the acquisition and renovation project is estimated at $287,300 including the cost of the land. John Howard Society of Saskatoon was approved for a CAHP contribution of $200,000, with the breakdown as follows: $100,000 from the Government of Canada, in addition to $87,300 previously provided; $80,000 from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation; and $20,000 from the City of Saskatoon. On April 1, 2007, Canada’s New Government implemented the new Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), which will provide $269.6 million over two years to help communities across Canada combat homelessness more effectively.

Located at 5^th Avenue North in Saskatoon, Cedar House consists of six bedrooms, five bathrooms and shared kitchen and resource areas. The project features five independent living units with supports, such as live-in mentors and Cedar House staff who assist vulnerable youth as they transition into independence. Residents learn life skills including budgeting, shopping, working, and making positive choices to create safe, healthy and independent lifestyles.

John Howard Society of Saskatoon is an independent voluntary organization composed of citizens who accept responsibility for understanding and dealing with the problems of crime and the criminal justice system in a creative, humane and progressive manner. The Society fulfils this responsibility through reform advocacy, direct service and public education.

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.

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News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)