Clockwise from bottom left, North Battleford Mayor David Gillan, a view of the Independence Commons housing facility, the ribbon-cutting ceremony with supporters and CMHA Battlefords representatives, and CMHA Battlefords branch executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun at the grand opening Tuesday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Independent supported housing

CMHA Battlefords’ branch celebrates opening of Independence Commons facility

Jun 14, 2022 | 6:05 PM

With the snip of a ribbon, the new Independence Commons facility located at 1942 Kramer Place in North Battleford officially opened Tuesday.

The project offers independent supported living to people dealing with mental health challenges or complex needs. The facility includes two single-level four-plexes, offering eight individual suites, green space, as well as a support service and transitional shelter.

Jerry Burnett-Scrimgeour, one of the individuals who will be residing in the facility, said the project will make a positive difference in his life and for others who live there. He said the facility offers not only support, but freedom and happiness to those facing challenges.

“The best things in life aren’t things at all, they are friends,” he said in his moving speech, turning to CMHA Battlefords branch executive director Jane Zielke de Montbrun who helped lead the project.

Zielke de Montbrun was presented with a bouquet of flowers in appreciation for her work with the initiative.

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“I think it’s probably one of the most amazing things I’ve ever worked on,” she said. “I am so incredibly happy for the people who live here. That’s what it’s all about.”

The facility also offers a commons room where tenants can come together for meetings, group learning and get togethers.

“Our housing program addresses a gap in housing for persons with lived experience that are transitioning back to community, and is the first of its kind in the Battlefords,” Zielke de Montbrun said.

The project was jointly supported through the provincial and federal governments and the City of North Battleford.

Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Ryan Domotor, on behalf of Saskatchewan Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Gene Makowsky, said the project will help fill a need.

“We know that it is important to offer supportive living options to the people of this province,” he said. “Some people in vulnerable situations, like those who live with mental illness or complex needs, need more than a home to stay connected to housing.”

He said that is why the SHC provided the Canadian Mental Health Association Battlefords Branch (CMHA-B) with $830,000 to support the construction of these eight portable housing units, through its partnership with Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation under the National Housing Strategy.

Domotor said the funding, along with the leadership of CMHA Batttlefords branch, has given eight residents of the Battlefords access to an “affordable, safe stable and supportive place to call home.”

“I thank CMHA-B for the key role they had in the development of these eight affordable housing units that support residents’ well-being, participation and success in the community,” he said.

North Battleford Mayor David Gillan said he is pleased to see the project now completed and open.

“We couldn’t be more proud of the partnership,” he said. “We are really providing a difference for people, providing much needed supportive housing in our community.”

Town of Battleford Councillor David George, left, and Cut Knife–Turtleford MLA Ryan Domotor on behalf of the province shown at the opening ceremony. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW)

Gillan said he is thrilled how everyone came together for the effort.

“The city provided the plot of land and the federal and provincial governments [offered] some funding,” he said. “I think it’s just fantastic. This is what it’s all about, eight units of housing for people who really need housing in an affordable and supportive way.”

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow