Construction has started on a new 26-unit affordable rental housing project in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

The development, located on the 200 block of Avenue O South in the core-neighbourhood of Pleasant Hill, is a joint venture between the federal government, the province, the City of Saskatoon and Quint Development Corporation (Quint).

The townhouse complex will consist of eight one-bedroom units (493 square feet) 10 three-bedroom units (1,064 square feet), six four-bedroom units (1,475 square feet) and two four-bedroom accessible units (1,912 square feet).

“This project will provide 26 safe, quality homes for people in this community who have complex needs and are not able to maintain housing without support services,” said Tina Beaudry-Mellor, minister of social services and minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). “Our government is pleased to be involved with this initiative that supports hard to house families and individuals.”

The federal and provincial governments, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and SHC, are jointly contributing up to $3.19 million toward the project under the Canada-Saskatchewan Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) 2014-2019 Agreement. The City of Saskatoon will provide $557,000 in funding plus additional incentives towards the project, while Quint is contributing about $1.7 million in the form of cash equity and mortgage financing.

Established in 1995, Quint is a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the economic and social well-being of Saskatoon’s west side core neighbourhoods.

“Quint’s Affordable Housing Program is expanding in order to meet the growing need for larger family sized safe and affordable rental housing in Saskatoon,” said Joy Crawford, chair of Quint Development Corporation’s board of directors. “In addition, this infill development will significantly improve the aging housing stock in Pleasant Hill and help strengthen and revitalize the neighbourhood.”