CARLA BECK’S TEAM BACKS MUNICIPALITIES’ CALL ON MOE GOVERNMENT TO FILL VACANT HOUSING UNITS

Sask. Party Cut Reno Budget For Government Housing Units
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is calling on the Scott Moe government to listen to municipalities and fill the hundreds of government-owned housing units currently sitting vacant.

The call comes after delegates at the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) convention voted 88.5 per cent in favour of lobbying the provincial government to increase funding for municipal housing.

“People are sleeping on the streets while government-owned housing sits empty,” Beck said. “That makes no sense.

“Municipalities want to get these units back online, but far too many are sitting vacant because the Sask. Party cut the renovation budget.”

The resolution was brought forward by Estevan City Councillor Shelly Veroba, who questioned why units remain empty during a housing crisis.

During the SUMA convention, Veroba said, “Families, individuals and seniors across the province need safe, affordable homes, and the Saskatchewan government needs to start to provide this by immediately looking at their stock of vacant units and develop the plan.”

Government Relations Shadow Minister Erika Ritchie said the constant downloading of issues to municipalities has left many without the resources to address homelessness and the drug crisis in their communities.

“We understand that municipal revenue sharing is critical, which the Sask. Party is quick to pat itself on the back for providing some; however, they’re also offloading their responsibilities left, right and centre and the costs just keep going up and up.”

Information obtained by Beck’s team last summer showed that more than 2,000 social housing units were sitting empty while homelessness has increased under Scott Moe’s leadership. That has resulted in $10 million in lost revenue and $9 million in taxes, utilities, and administration costs.

“Municipalities are doing everything they can, but they can’t solve this crisis alone,” said April ChiefCalf, Shadow Housing Minister. “The province is leaving millions of dollars’ worth of housing stock unused while families, seniors, and individuals struggle to find a safe place to live.

“This makes no sense. Clearly, it’s time for change.”

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