The Prince Albert Safe Shelter for Women is one of 14 projects in nine Saskatchewan communities receiving joint funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The funding is part of an initiative to improve housing options for victims of domestic violence. More than $4.2 million is being invested through the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).
The projects funded will improve 81 bedrooms, add four units of second-stage rental housing and renovate 25 more. The improvements are intended to bring each facility to a similar standard of repair, safety, accessibility and comfort, a media release said.
The SEP provides funding for the repair, improvement or construction of emergency shelter space and transitional housing via a forgivable loan of up to 100 per cent of capital costs.
The $20,000 for the Prince Albert shelter is earmarked for improving site drainage, roofing and bathtubs.
Work is expected to be completed in the spring.
The Piwapan Women’s Centre and Sapohtewan House La Ronge will receive $1.8 million.
Of that, over $1.2 million will go to the shelter, which is often full. An addition will be built to provide wheelchair-accessible living space and office space to reduce operating costs.
The remaining $600,000 will go towards creating second stage housing to increase capacity at the shelter by speeding up turnover.
Both the shelter and the Sapohtewan House are run by the La Ronge Native Women’s Council. The facilities also serve Air Ronge.
Meadow Lake Trribal Council also received a large sum — $1.2 million — to completely replace the Waskoosis Safe Shelter. Construction began this spring on the new shelter, which will be bigger, brighter and more barrier-free.
Work is expected to be done sometime next year.
