The River Bank Development Corporation began the construction of affordable housing units for low income families on 1347 14th Street West on Wednesday.
Prince Albert Northcote MLA Alana Ross, City Counsellor Dawn Kilmer, and River Bank Development Corp (RBDC) General Manager Tina Dickson completed the official commissioning and sod turning Wednesday morning.
The Federal and Provincial Governments are providing a combined investment of more than $750,000 to build four new, affordable homes for low-income families in Prince Albert.
“It feels wonderful. It’s good to know that we are helping the community. We have so much support from River Bank, from the City, from the staff. Everybody is coming together to build more houses for people in need,” Dickson said. “It feels good and we are hoping to see more housing units in the future with more funding.”
The City of Prince Albert is also providing $20,000 in grant funding to support this $1.1 million construction project. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
“We are honoured to collaborate with the federal and provincial governments to bring affordable housing to our community,” Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne said. “Witnessing our city unite with government support to make these homes possible is truly inspiring. This new project represents more than just walls and a roof; it is a place where lives will grow and dreams will be realized. We are grateful to contribute to making Prince Albert a great place to live.”
Kilmer represented the City at the sod turning ceremony. She said it’s good to see more affordable housing being built.
“The families that really want to work and live in Prince Albert deserves homes that their kids can enjoy,” Kilmer said. “Look how close it is to a school, the community centre, a park .It’s all about community and neigbourhood. RBDC is building more of these and yes, I am happy about it.”
Consisting of two duplexes, the property will contain a three-bedroom unit and a two-bedroom unit. Riverbank Development Corporation is partnering with KidsFirst, Native Coordinating Council and Family Futures to provide supportive services to the future tenants.
Ross spoke on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Gene Makowsky.
Ross also said she was pleased to see the new development.
“I am so proud of the things we are able to do, this is my own community and the family units are so important to the youths and our children. I am always, always so happy with the work that the Ministry of Sask Housing is doing and I am just really pleased to be here today,” Ross said.
In a press release, Makowsky said the development was very important for the community.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is providing safety and stability for families through investment in new, affordable housing options that will include critical services to support them in building a bright future for themselves and their children. Social housing is an integral part of our community and our Government recognizes how this contributes to the wellness of our communities,” Makowsky said.
editorial@paherald.sk.ca
