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by Nigel Maxwell
Speaking to a crowd gathered outside two new affordable housing complexes on Oct. 10, Bill Powalinsky acknowledged there is a housing shortage in Prince Albert.
The mayor was among a number of dignitaries on hand Friday for the opening of two newly constructed projects which will provide space for young families and those affected by interpersonal violence.
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Powalinsky referenced a recent housing survey which indicated the city was 1,400 units short – apartments, townhouses, condos etc.
“My biggest desire is to see transitional housing and low income housing explode in Prince Albert,” he said.
The Miakoda project consists of eight, one- and two-bedroom apartments in a low-rise building, as well a common space for programming. The Young Families’ project is a five-plex development for young families. Noting 700 new positions being created with the hospital expansion, Powalinsky said the city really needs to accelerate its housing programs.
“We are implementing subsidies for five units or more. We are opening up something called ‘four as a right’. in other words, vacant lots will be automatically zoned for up to four units. And that could be anything from a duplex to stocked housing to townhouse, to condo, triplex, you name it. But these are all initiatives designed to meet the housing need.”
The Young Families’ and Miakoda projects represent a joint investment between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, and a partnership with Prince Albert Community Housing Society Inc. (PACHSI).
“These new homes show what’s possible when partners, local, provincial Indigenous, and federal come together with a shared goal, ensuring every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home,” PACHSI Manager Joanne Moisan read in a statement sent from Saskatchewan Liberal MP Buckley Belanger, who is also Secretary of State (Rural Development).
Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Terry Jenson travelled to Prince Albert for the announcement.
“It’s such an important milestone for the community to see these projects completed. Our government strives to identify housing needs right across our province and develop projects that help individuals and families to succeed. Everyone deserves these stability that a home provides.”
Speaking with reporters, Jenson stated the need for affordable housing is not isolated to Prince Albert and is a concern right across the country.
He noted a recent trip to Vancouver for the federal provincial territorial ministers meeting and discussion on the different types of housing that will be coming out with the Build Canada Homes program.
“That was rolled out a couple of weeks ago, and we don’t know all the details on it, and we won’t know all the details until the budget comes out on Nov. 4th. However, the federal government has signalled that it’s going to involve all types of housing, whether that be supportive housing, transitional housing, affordable housing, right across across the board, and it’s a federal project where the federal and provincial governments will work together,” Jenson said.
Construction for the Miakota Project began in 2024 and the Young Families project started in 2023. Breanna McLeod-Coe lives in one of the units with her young son, who was proudly giving all the dignitaries a tour.
She said it’s awesome to be in a place that feels brand new, is affordable and a place they can make their own.
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