North Battleford residents with mental health challenges or complex needs now have improved access to affordable housing thanks to investments from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview, and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cutknife-Turtleford Ryan Domotor, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Gene Makowsky, joined representatives from the Canadian Mental Health Association – Battlefords Branch (CMHA-B) to celebrate the grand opening of eight new affordable housing units in North Battleford.
SHC provided $830,000 to the project through its partnership with Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation under the National Housing Strategy.
Called Independence Commons, the project is located at 1941 Kramer Place and includes two single-level four-plexes, green space and a support service and transitional shelter. Each unit is approximately 561 square feet or 52.11 square metres and three of the units as well as the support service and transitional shelter are accessible.
“Our government is very proud to be a part of this important housing project that is making a difference in the lives of people living with mental illness or complex needs,” Domotor said. “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.”
“Independence Commons has established safe, affordable, independent housing to persons living with enduring mental illness and complex needs,” Canadian Mental Health Association – Battlefords Branch Executive Director Jane Zielke de Montbrun said. “It is, in some ways, a community of eight, who are supported to live successfully and well on their own. Our housing program addresses a gap in housing for persons with lived experience that are transitioning back to community and the first of its kind in The Battlefords.”
