Saskatoon Welcomes 73 New Affordable Housing Units with Indigenous Focus
Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block emphasized the critical importance of affordable housing during a recent extreme cold snap, as the city officially unveiled 73 newly constructed affordable housing units at Métis Veterans Plaza. The mayor highlighted that this development goes beyond providing shelter—it represents a meaningful investment in people's lives and community belonging.
Addressing Urgent Housing Needs
"It is dangerously cold out," Mayor Block stated during the opening ceremony. "If you're unhoused, I think this really shines a spotlight on why we have to continue moving forward as earnestly as we can to ensure all people have a place to go."
The mayor noted that this project has been carefully planned for over a decade, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to creating sustainable housing solutions that serve vulnerable populations.
Tailored for Indigenous Communities
The Camponi Housing Corporation-operated complex features a thoughtful distribution of units designed to meet diverse community needs:
- 37 market rental units
- 19 affordable housing units
- 17 accessible one-bedroom units
Significantly, 36 of these units have been specifically tailored for Indigenous tenants, with some residents already beginning to move in. These units serve low-income seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities, all benefiting from fixed rental pricing that ensures long-term stability.
Affordable Pricing Structure
Angela Bishop, board chair of the Métis-led non-profit Camponi Housing Corporation, detailed the accessible pricing structure:
- One-bedroom units: $800 per month
- Two-bedroom units: $1,000 per month
- Three-bedroom units: $1,400 per month
- Four-bedroom units: $1,600 per month
An additional $100 monthly charge covers all utilities, making these units genuinely affordable for residents facing financial challenges.
Government Collaboration and Funding
The project represents a significant collaboration between multiple levels of government and Indigenous communities. The federal government invested $17 million through partnerships with the Saskatchewan government and Indigenous organizations.
Social Services Minister Terry Jenson explained the provincial contribution: "With $1.2 million in provincial funding through the Rental Development Program, and an additional $500,000 through the Saskatchewan and Co-investment Program, we are helping expand access to safe, affordable, and accessible housing right here in Saskatoon."
Mayor Block emphasized that Saskatoon has strategically used Housing Accelerator Fund dollars to incentivize affordable housing development, focusing on projects that have the greatest potential to help unhoused individuals find stable accommodation.
Broader Housing Strategy
The City of Saskatoon's approach aligns with the federal government's Housing Accelerator Fund, which supports local governments in building more homes faster while promoting communities that are more affordable, diverse, and climate-resilient.
This development at Métis Veterans Plaza represents just one component of Saskatoon's broader strategy to address housing shortages. The city continues to pursue additional initiatives, including plans for 120 new modular rental units and the acquisition of empty lots for supportive housing projects.
The opening of these 73 units marks a significant step forward in addressing Saskatoon's housing crisis while specifically supporting Indigenous community members who have historically faced housing challenges.
