Shovels are now in the ground for the long-anticipated pocket housing project in the city of North Battleford.
The new affordable housing project will provide transitional housing units at 1322- 103rd St.
Each apartment will average 320 square feet with a separate entrance, a built in kitchen and private bathroom. The project is estimated to be built by March of next year.
Friday, officials braved sub-freezing conditions for the official sod-turning ceremonies. Perhaps that weather was appropriate, as one of the goals of the new housing project is to address the homeless situation, a major issue during the winter months.
The total cost of the project is $954,000, with the federal and provincial governments contributing $425,000 and Employment and Social Development Canada is contributing another $474,000. The remaining cost is being provided by the City of North Battleford and Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs.
The project has not been without controversy. A total of 21 residents within the vicinity of the project signed their names to a letter that went to city council opposing the location, with concerns expressed about safety and more property crime offences in the neighbourhood with the development.
But council approved the final location by a 5-1 vote in July.
MLA Herb Cox called the building of the project part of the growth plan for the province.
"I think this is a very important initiative that indicates we are looking after the housing needs of all of our citizens," Cox told reporters.
Mayor Ian Hamilton welcomes the project, but also said more needs to be done, noting that the Battlefords Indian and Métis Friendship Centre will once again be running a Temporary Homeless Shelter for 2013-14.
"We will have to work very, very hard in the coming year to fill that gap," Hamilton said.
