New affordable housing opens in Saskatoon’s Evergreen neighbourhood

There’s now more affordable housing in Saskatoon for families and others who want to find a place to call home, but might need some support to do so.

The first crop of newly-built, modern-style townhouses in Evergreen — constructed by the Saskatchewan-based company, Avana — have officially opened in the Saskatoon neighbourhood for people in need of affordable rental housing.

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Avana president Brent Sjoberg said the opening of about 40 units in Evergreen marked the company’s entry into the Saskatoon market.

Sjoberg said more units in the Kensington and Aspen Ridge areas will become available over the next few months, bringing the total to about 900 units that will be available for lease over the next six months. About 600 of those units will be in Saskatoon’s northeast.

“We’re pleased to be in Saskatoon, and yeah, want to let everybody know that we’re looking forward to being part of the city,” Sjoberg said.

The company operates about 2,000 units in Regina and just over 400 in Edmonton, the president explained, and predicted that by 2028 Avana will have built just over 1,600 units in Saskatoon alone, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom options.

Sjoberg said the Avana units are affordable and in strong demand.

The kitchen inside one of the Avana housing units in Evergreen on Aug. 6, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

“We live here. We love Saskatchewan and the Western Canada feel,” he shared, adding that the company is focused on its expansions in western Canada. “There is a need for housing, for sure, so we wanted to make those investments where we could to support the communities that we live in, and, you know, look to continue to support rental housing and the need for it.”

Avana partners with organizations supporting women and children at risk of domestic violence and welcomes a variety of people to live in their townhouses. Those living in Avana housing pay a reduced rental rate, set by the funding provider that is considered a below-market rate. Maximum income requirements are set to ensure the units are leased to people most in need of affordable housing.

Sjoberg said tenants can expect to pay about $1,000 a month in rent.

Community partners express support, gratitude for new housing

During the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 6 at the new homes in Evergreen, Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block commended Sjoberg, calling Avana’s affordable housing “the way we move forward.”

“When we decide to build (projects) together, and people’s kids grow up together, they go to school together, they play in the park together, it starts to lower the barriers for everyone and truly give people a chance to move forward,” Block told people gathered for the opening of the new housing.

Block called Saskatoon a proud partner of the project and Saskatchewan Minister of Advanced Education, Ken Cheveldayoff, commended Avana on expanding into a second Saskatchewan city.

“Our government appreciates the work Avana does in providing affordable rental housing options here in Saskatchewan, along with your company’s commitment to giving back to communities that you serve,” Cheveldayoff said. “Everyone here recognizes how important it is that Saskatchewan residents have access to safe and affordable housing in their home communities.”

The new Avana housing buildings in Evergreen were officially opened on Aug. 6, 2026. (Libby Gray/650 CKOM)

Cheveldayoff said the province is increasing monthly housing benefits to help eligible renters better afford rent and utility costs, while strengthening housing stability for people in supportive housing.

The housing can support people leaving unsafe situations who are seeking a safe home, he added.