A partnership between all levels of government broke ground on an $830,000 new housing development in North Battleford. (Submitted Photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

By Josh Ryan

Ground Broken

Work on North Battleford affordable housing project begins

Aug 12, 2020 | 5:23 PM

Construction of a new rental housing project is officially set to begin in North Battleford.

The Government of Canada and Province of Saskatchewan, the City of North Battleford, along with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Battlefords Branch, officially broke ground on the eight-unit rental housing project at 1942 Kramer Place. The project is for individuals with complex needs that require supports to secure and maintain housing.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), said this fits the government’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), a 10-year, $55 billion plan to create 125,000 new housing units and lift 530,000 families out of housing need.

“Our government’s investment in North Battleford will improve the quality of life for individuals with complex needs while contributing to the social well-being of the entire community,” Hussen said. “Developments like these will help reach our goal of ensuring every Canadian has a home that meets their needs and they can afford.”

The federal government, through CMHC, and the province, through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), contributed $830,000 to the project from the federal/provincial National Housing Strategy. The city contributed the land for the project.

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“We were encouraged by the quick action by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to support this important project,” Mayor Ryan Bater said. “These homes will have a positive effect on the health of our community by providing an affordable, safe, and healthy living environment for the residents. We are grateful for the contributions of all partners who have come together to make this project a reality.”

The project is the new construction of two single level fourplexes in North Battleford located at 1942 Kramer Place, facing each other with a middle green space. A support service and transitional shelter area, equipped with a small kitchenette and washroom, will be located at the end of the property to form a u-shaped building complex.

The new housing complex is located at 1942 Kramer Place.(Submitted Photo/Government of Saskatchewan)

The investment supports the province’s Housing Strategy, Poverty Reduction Strategy and Mental Health and Addictions Action Plan, which are designed to increase community capacity to ensure Saskatchewan people in greatest need. Battlefords MLA Herb Cox said this kind of project is critical for people living with persistent and complex mental health and addictions issues.

“This project will provide much needed affordable housing in North Battleford to support individuals with mental health challenges and complex needs to live independently in our community,” Battlefords MLA Herb Cox said. “These homes will provide a safe and stable living environment, along with the supports the residents require to participate more fully in life and build a better future.”

CMHA Executive Director Jane Zielke de Montbrun said the project begins to close a transitional housing gap in the community.

“Its design will create a sense of community and belonging among tenants and provide space for social/recreational activities and group learning opportunities,” Zielke de Montbrun said. “Together, we are making a difference in the lives of persons living with mental illness and complex needs in the Battlefords.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports