Federal and local officials in Saskatoon have unveiled a plan to introduce 120 new modular rental units to the city, a direct response to the ongoing struggle to meet housing demand. The announcement, made on Wednesday, signals a significant step in addressing the city's affordability and availability crisis.
Federal Funding and Support for Vulnerable Residents
The federal government is bolstering the project with a substantial financial commitment. Through the Apartment Construction Loan Program, $38.3 million in low-interest loans has been allocated to fund the development, as confirmed by Buckley Belanger, the secretary of state for rural development.
A key component of the initiative is its focus on inclusivity. Of the 120 units being developed, between 16 and 20 will be reserved for individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities. Furthermore, nine of these units are specifically designated for clients of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA).
A Faster Solution to a Pressing Problem
The urgent need for housing was a central theme of the announcement. Toni Klassen, executive director of the CMHA, emphasized the immediacy of the situation, stating, "people need housing now and not in two years." She praised the project for providing well-built, affordable homes that offer more than just shelter, but a place to truly call home.
This sentiment was echoed by Tyler Matthews, CEO of the National Affordable Housing Corporation and a partner in the development. Matthews acknowledged the difficulty in keeping pace with Saskatoon's growth and housing demand, noting that government programs like this are essential to enable continued construction.
Project Details and Innovative Construction
The new development, known as the Aurora Point development site, is located beside Aspen Ridge. The project will follow a mixed-market affordable model, where market-rate units help subsidize the cost of more affordable ones.
Rents will range from $1,350 per month for affordable units up to $2,150 for market units, with the units themselves spanning from 760 to 1,250 square feet in size.
A major advantage of this project is the use of modular construction. As explained by the partners, the units arrive on-site nearly complete, drastically reducing construction time. Alex Miller, CEO of Big Block Construction, highlighted that this innovative method slashes the typical building timeline from two or three years down to just one, getting families into homes much faster than conventional construction allows.
