Saskatoon gets new federal funding to fast-track housing
Federal funding announced Wednesday in Saskatoon aims to fast-track the construction of housing for the city's most in-need residents.
The money is contingent on zoning changes, which will alter things like density requirements in some neighbourhoods.
The federal Housing Accelerator Fund promises to get more people housed in Saskatoon, and it comes at a critical time – with numerous factors contributing to a housing shortage, according to the mayor.
“We’re a city that people want to live in and are coming to, but the dynamics of building and the cost of inflation is creating a real supply challenge,” Mayor Charlie Clark said.
With this comes an issue that’s hard to ignore no matter which part of the city you’re in.
“As part of this we’re seeing an unprecedented amount of homelessness which is a huge issue that we’re facing,” he says.
In the plan, just over $41 million will be used to fast-track the development of 940 housing units over the next three years in Saskatoon.
In addition to homelessness, the plan aims to address a shortage of student housing near post-secondary institutions, which could open much needed space in other areas of the city.
“We want to get more student housing built quickly and, in the downtown, we have a number of applications for housing,” the mayor said.
Broadway is also among one of the first areas to see increased housing, as well as along transit routes in various neighbourhoods.
The member of parliament for employment and workforce was on hand for the announcement.
“Make sure we have the right mix of affordable and social housing right here in Saskatoon because yours is one of the greatest growing cities in the country,” Randy Boissonnault told the news conference Wednesday.
The federal program stipulates that the city change rules to allow things like four-unit dwellings on one lot and four stories near bus stops.
“We’ll continue to do our part to ensure that we will get housing built as soon as we can,” the mayor said.
Parking requirements that limit the number of on-street stalls will also need to be ammended to account for the higher density developments.
The program relies on various homebuilders and community groups to collaborate and make it a success. In ten years, it’s expected to spur the construction of more than 25,000 homes across the city.
The federal Housing Accelerator Fund was created in March 2023. As of the end of September 2023, more than $38.89 billion has been used to create almost 152,000 housing units and repair over 241,000 units.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.6979388.1722030190!/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.jpg)
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.
Health Canada warns some naloxone kits contain false instructions
Health Canada is warning some take-home naloxone kits come with bad instructions that should be ignored in favour of the correct guidance.