Apr
29
2009
Quint Development Corporation – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Author: adminSandy Hutchens says, Quint Development Corporation was formed in 1995 to strengthen the economic and social well-being of Saskatoon’s five core neighbourhoods through community-based economic development. The organization integrates economic, social, ecological and cultural development with the goal of revitalizing and reclaiming communities.
The Affordable Housing Solution
In 1997, Quint proposed to the City of Saskatoon and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation that 10 lower-income families form a co-operative and buy 10 homes, which they would renovate. The province would provide 25 per cent of the value of the renovated homes as a forgivable loan and the City of Saskatoon a grant worth five per cent. The 30 per cent would make down payments unnecessary. After five years, the province would forgive its loan and co- operative members could either assume the mortgage and become homeowners or stay within the co-op.
The city and the province accepted the proposal, and since then Quint has helped to set up eight housing co-ops with over 100 families owning homes through the homeownership program. The co-op program has become a part of a larger provincial program, the Neighbourhood Home Ownership Program (NHOP).
For its contribution to affordable homeownership housing, Quint Development Corporation was a recipient of a 2002 CMHC National Housing Award for Affordable Housing Innovations.
In addition, Quint has undertaken significant work in affordable rental housing. Quint acquired two apartment buildings, which were renovated with the assistance of CMHC, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and the city of Saskatoon through the Affordable Housing Initiative. The projects provide 40 units for low- to moderate-income families. One building contains a day-care centre, common room, collective kitchens, and an office for a community development worker. Both buildings include green space as well as community gardens.
Quint also helps meet the needs of youth at risk in the community. Pleasant Hill Place is a safe and healthy housing alternative for single women 16-21 years old and their families. It operates as a co- operative for five young parents who are attending educational programs, home schooling or working. Young Men’s Home is a 10-bedroom transitional residence for homeless youth 16 to 22 years old. The objective is to connect at- risk youth to safe, stable housing while supporting them in meeting goals in education, training and employment opportunities and other means of independence.