Daily Herald Contributor
Guests and dignitaries witnessed the sod turning for the construction of eight affordable housing units to support vulnerable families at 354 Sixth Street East on Wednesday.
The project is jointly funded through the Indigenous Shelter and transitional Housing Initiative, the Prince Albert Community Housing Society, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and Les Femmes Michif Otipemisiwak (LFMO). Indigenous Services Canada will provide a subsidy for ongoing operations.
“I am so excited about this project that my heart can burst out of my chest. It’s so needed and has been needed for a long time,” LFMO vice-president Brenda White said. “Miakoda will offer programing to help the women go into their futures armed with the knowledge and skills to lead happy, healthy lives that enable them to raise healthy secure children free to dream of what they may accomplish one day.”
White said children who grow up in safe, secure environment become proud, productive adults.
She said they could probably build three more housing units like this one and fill them on regular basis.
“There will be eight two bedroom units. In each unit, one of the bedrooms will be quite large so that it can accommodate two sets of bunks for four children,” White explained. “They will also be able to bring in a cart. If needed, there will be cribs and bassinets to be put in the mother’s room for babies. There will be living room, kitchen and bathroom. It will be a full apartment,” White said.
Mayor Greg Dionne said the City appreciated all contributors who helped with the project.
“I want to thank the Metis and all the partners in this for stepping out, especially for the children,” he said. “The children must have a safe place. They must be able to grow up, and what a great location right across from the school. They will be able to use the playground and facilities in the area.”
Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross also speaking at the sod turning ceremony. She said Miakoda is an “innovative housing project” that will be a key part of the support network available in the city.
“These new homes include support services and will provide these families with the sense of security, hope for the future, and the opportunity to heal,” she said.
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $27,000 per unit through the Saskatchewan Co-Investment Program (SCP) to support building cost for the project. A total investment of $216,000 for this important initiative. The SCP support projects that address urgent housing needs and have secured fundings from other governmental jurisdictions.
Construction will commence immediately and the project will be completed by August 2025.
