Feds pledge $7.6M to build 36 affordable homes in Saskatoon

Saskatoon is expanding its affordable homes within the city, thanks to funding from the federal government.

Thirty-six new affordable homes will be available for both individuals and families. The housing units will be supporting those “who are in uncertain housing situations, experiencing or at risk of homelessness, or living in temporary shelters because of the pandemic,” as stated in the media release.

The total funding earmarked totals $7.6 million. This funding is part of the Rapid Housing Initiative, which had a $1 billion price tag when it was announced in Oct. 2020.

An additional $1.5 billion was announced recently for 4,500 new units of permanent housing in Canada.

Housing providers within Saskatoon had originally applied for the first round of funding, but multiple applications were rejected, according to both Mayor Charlie Clark and Adam Vaughn — parliamentary secretary of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

“None of those applications were successful,” said Clark, before adding that this grant allows for the City to receive the funding, then work with the local providers.

The initial phase was driven as a COVID response, said Vaughn.

“The first billion dollars, we looked at the 15 cities that had the highest homeless populations, combined with the highest rates of COVID, combined with the highest rates of housing procurity — which is average wages versus average rent,” he said.

The applications by the providers did not meet the criteria set out, said Vaughn. He continued to mention that Clark was part of the design process with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

“It didn’t fit directly into the housing system in Saskatoon. That’s why we made changes in the second round, to get these dollars out the door,” Vaughn said, adding that the funding can also be moving to places such as Regina and Saskatoon, directly.

While explaining the $7.6 million funds, Clark mentioned the City plans to stretch every dollar for what they can.

Is that number going to solve the issue, though?

“It’s a start. It’s going to, let’s hope, provide for a number of units. I’m concerned that the need is certainly outgrowing what that demand is,” Clark said.

He adds that once the units are in place, it’s integral that the right programs are in place to make sure those struggling get back — and stay — on their feet.

“So that people can be effectively able to stay there, and not just end up back up on the street again. That’s the critical piece there,” Clark said.

Now, the City will be looking into where these affordable units will go. Clark said the City has until the end of August to get applications in for centres where it would be feasible.

He did not shut the door on facilities such as the old City Centre Inn and Suites, building new, or finding existing properties to renovate or buy.

“There’s 12 months for those (units) to be built … The goal is to get things turned around, and get that housing out there and available as quickly as possible,” Clark said.

Saskatoon Tribal Chief Mark Arcand said the announcement Tuesday was a step in the right direction.

“I like the concept,” he said. “We want to be part of the solution. We don’t want to be part of the problem.”

Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) is a housing provider in the city, Arcand added.

He said STC did apply last round but was denied the funding.

“It all comes down to, did we meet the needs? I’m glad we have an opportunity in phase two,” he said.

Arcand said the goal now is to get these units up and running by winter. He foresees possibly some minor renovations before the cold weather hits.

“Winter last year was a tough year. And look at the climate we’re in right now. We haven’t had any rain in Saskatchewan. We don’t know what the weather’s going to be like, but it’s going to be cold,” he said.

“There’s a need there. The sooner we can get this up and running, the better.”