The provincial and federal governments, along with Blue Oak Holdings Inc., celebrated the official opening of 12 new affordable rental units for low- to moderate-income individuals and families in Carlyle on May 27.
The project is a 12-unit rental housing development. Owned by Blue Oak, the development consists of four units with one bedroom and a den, and eight units with two bedrooms. Each unit is 850 square feet.
Among those in attendance were Ralph Goodale, the federal Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, who was there on behalf of Jean-Yves Duclos, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Cannington MLA Dan D'Autremont was present on behalf of Donna Harpauer, who is the Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).
“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable,” said Goodale. “This is why our government is glad to be involved in the creation of these 12 new units, which will provide Canadians in Carlyle with affordable and quality housing while supporting the local economy.”
“This project is an exciting housing option for the community of Carlyle,” D'Autremont said. “Not only is it meeting a real need for housing, it is providing low-to-moderate-income renters with an opportunity to live in an affordable home as they pursue other opportunities that exist in this province.
“We are proud to work with our partners to keep Saskatchewan strong by continuing to increase housing supply, to improve housing affordability, and to support individuals and families in greatest housing need.”
“We are committed to helping Saskatchewan grow and thrive,” said Blue Oak CEO Jason Zhao. “We believe in providing affordable and comfortable accommodations to our residents in rural hubs across the province.”
Zhao applauded the support shown by the federal and provincial governments, as well as the Town of Carlyle.
“We look forward to continuing to work together with our governments and communities to provide even more housing to our residents across Saskatchewan,” said Zhao.
The federal and provincial governments, through CMHC and SHC, are jointly contributing $240,000 toward six of the 12 units under the Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (2011-2014) Agreement.
Blue Oak provided about $1.8 million to the 12-unit development through cash/land equity and mortgage financing.
