Residents are speaking out after being subjected to a series of arbitrary rent increases over the next 18 months. Last winter, a number of residents were informed of a rent increase scheduled for October 2026. Then, just last month, they were notified that their rent would increase again in February 2027, again in August 2027, and once more in February 2028.
"These residents are facing four separate rent increases in just a year and a half," said MLA April ChiefCalf, Shadow Minister for Housing. "At some point, this stops being about keeping pace with market conditions and becomes blatantly predatory."
"There is a lot of uncertainty that comes with rental increases like this, and my constituents have the right to be concerned," said Bhajan Brar, local MLA for Regina Pasqua.
The increases facing residents of The Williston, which is owned and operated by a Manitoba-based company, vary depending on their current rental rate and when they moved into the complex. For some residents, the 2027 and 2028 increases alone will amount to an additional $200 increase every six months, resulting in a cumulative rent hike of as much as 24 per cent.
"These are seniors living on fixed incomes who have carefully budgeted to live comfortably and independently," added ChiefCalf. "Many are deeply concerned that they will eventually be priced out of their homes."
"This situation demonstrates exactly why we need rent control. Right now, there are virtually no protections in place to prevent corporate landlords from imposing excessive rent hikes on tenants, especially seniors. Everyone deserves the security of knowing they can afford to remain in their home."
Garth Rusconi, a resident of The Williston who will be moving out after being impacted by the rent increases, spoke about the challenges residents are facing: "This is not about asking for something unreasonable. It is about asking for fairness, transparency, predictability, and compassion.
"People should not have to fear losing their home because of a sudden and substantial increase in rent."
Recent data from Rentals.ca shows that the annual change in average asking rent in Saskatchewan has increased to 24.6 per cent over the course of the last three years. Even though rental rates have steadily increased over recent years in Saskatchewan, the Sask. Party government has continued to tout that Saskatchewan is the most affordable place to live, and that rent control is not necessary.
"Saskatchewan residents have some of the highest financial anxiety in the country and the fact that this government refuses to put measures in place that would directly help residents is really shameful." Said ChiefCalf.
"It's time for change."
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