NORTH BATTLEFORD — Residents of North Battleford welcomed improved access to affordable housing on Oct. 3, as three years' worth of renovations in 20 properties along 101st Street were greeted with an official commencement and ribbon cutting.
A release from the Ministry of Social Services noted that the opening marks the completion of renovations to 18 three-bedroom and two, four-bedroom semi-detached units. Funding of $3.2 million was provided for the project through the National Housing Strategy (NHS), which is a joint funding project between the Canadian and provincial governments.
Minister of Education, Jeremy Cockrill (MLA for The Battlefords) shared his thoughts at the outset of the ceremony on behalf of Gene Makowsky, Minister for Social Services.
"We recognize that safe and affordable housing contributes to the health and well-being of people in our province," Cockrill said in the statement.
"Our government continues to work with the Government of Canada through the [NHS] to build housing that is accessible and affordable to protect families in greatest housing need," Cockrill added.
Both the Mayor of North Battleford David Gillan and chair of the Battleford Housing Authority, Amber Stewart, spoke about the new housing during the ceremony and remarked that it's exactly what North Battleford needs.
"We're really excited to be here today to cut the ribbon following this significant investment and renewal of these dues duplexes. These started to be worked on before I joined, the board I believe it was already underway. And so to have them done, completed and filled is something that I'm really happy to see," Stewart said on behalf of the board and herself.
"These duplexes represent the very first social housing units that were managed by the Housing Authority since the 60s ... and prior to the renovation, they weren't a desirable place for families that wanted to live in family housing is really where we're, we're lacking in the Battlefords and in the province," she said.
"And just on a personal note, I joined this board because the [Battlefords] Housing Authority has a personal meaning for me. The Housing Authority saved my life. I was a young single parent and needed somewhere safe to live and raise my children, and the housing authority provided that for me. And so it always holds that spot near to my heart. It allowed me to eventually purchase my first my first home," she added.
And it's not just the Battlefords seeing a boost for housing, the statement noted that an additional $3.2 million in funding was provided by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation through Canada Community Housing Initiative to further rejuvenate existing social affordable housing units across the province where the need is highest.
Renovations of 370 existing family and senior affordable housing units across Saskatchewan are anticipated to be completed by December 2023.
“Our government’s 10-year, $82-plus billion National Housing Strategy is working to build affordable homes for those who need them the most across the country, including in Saskatchewan," said George Chahal, [Liberal MP for Calgary Skyview] on behalf of the Government of Canada.
"Today’s announcement of a combined $6.4 million to support the repair and renovation of 388 homes across the province is just another example of our government’s collaboration with other levels of government to deliver housing solutions.”
