Housing
It is no secret that housing in Saskatchewan is becoming
less and less affordable as the province continues to flourish and workers move
to this province. Housing that is found to be affordable is often substandard
and causes the occupants to live in unhealthy conditions. The solutions will not be found by simply
increasing funding to the housing authority, but through a progressive long
term strategy that includes innovative new building programs, better enforcement
of regulations, and incentives to increase the housing stock.
Download a copy of this policy paper here (pdf)
For a detailed explanation of these recommendations, download the full policy paper.
Recommendation Summary
A. Build New Student Housing
We recommend the provincial government work with the post-secondary
institutions to significantly increase housing stock for students.
B. Increase Financial Supports for those in Need
We recommend the provincial government increase the SAP rates, SIP
rates and increase amounts and expand the housing supplement to singles
and childless couples to cover the cost of housing.
C. Consult for HOMEFIRST Phase II
We recommend the provincial government immediately begin full public
consultations to develop the next phase of HomeFirst. HomeFirst ends
its five year mandate in 2009 and it is critical that it continues.
D. Conduct a Thorough Review of Regulations
We recommend the provincial government conduct a thorough regulatory
review of all relevant statutes concerning housing in Saskatchewan.
This would include; Condo Conversions, Secondary Suites, Affordable
Housing, Health and Safety Standards, Condo and new home warranties.
E. Building Incentives
We recommend the provincial government provide incentives to encourage
co-op housing development and private sector investment in rental housing with
the objective of increasing the supply of housing.
F. Create CBO Housing Fund
We recommend the provincial government create a fund that would
involve homeowner program options such as a revolving trust fund,
housing co-operative, or shared equity.
G. Create a Secondary Suites Program
We recommend the provincial government create a Secondary Suites
program that would provide capital through a forgivable loan for the
renovation of existing and the construction of new secondary and
basement suites for low and moderate-income tenants.
H. Provide Additional Supports and Education for Landlords and Tenants
We recommend the provincial government provide additional supports and
education for landlords and tenants. Research indicates that in order
to successfully move people through the
housing continuum, many potential homeowners require training on what
to expect
in home ownership and how to be successful and responsible homeowners.
I. Ensure Adequate Emergency Shelter
We recommend the provincial government provide additional support
to ensure that there is an effective and well resourced emergency
shelter program for all of Saskatchewan and that no one is put at risk
of being in absolute homelessness.
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