Resolutions

Whereas access to safe, affordable housing is essential to the wellbeing and stability of residents in Saskatchewan communities; and

Whereas local Housing Authorities play a critical role in managing and maintaining affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income residents; and

Whereas rising costs for maintenance, utilities, insurance, and staffing have placed significant financial strain on Housing Authorities; and

Whereas current provincial funding levels are insufficient to maintain housing stock, address deferred maintenance, or meet increasing community demand;

Therefore be it resolved that SUMA advocate the Government of Saskatchewan to increase funding to local Housing Authorities to ensure the sustainability, maintenance, and expansion of affordable housing in all Saskatchewan communities.

Dear Randy Goulden:

Thank you for bringing forward SUMA Resolution 2026-06 calling on the Government of Saskatchewan to increase funding to local housing authorities to ensure the sustainability, maintenance, and expansion of affordable housing for all Saskatchewan communities. The Honourable Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services, asked me to respond on his behalf.

With approximately 17,000 social and affordable housing units and support for an additional 3,500 third-party housing provider units, we are providing safe and affordable housing for individuals, families and seniors with low incomes, disabilities, and mental illness or addictions in more than 260 communities across Saskatchewan.

We recognize that housing authorities are responding to evolving housing needs and operational pressures across Saskatchewan communities. In 2026-27, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) is investing $86M to ensure provincially owned rent-ready units are available across the province. This investment includes:

• $44.2M for operating capital maintenance;
• $29.7M for general maintenance;
• $9.6M in provincial capital investments that will repair more than 2,000 provincially owned housing units; and
• $2.5M to continue multi-year repair and renovation projects for 131 housing units, with major renovations underway for Westview Place in Saskatoon and Bryant Place in Prince Albert.

This investment reflects our government's commitment to supporting housing authorities and ensuring people's continued access to safe and affordable housing across the province.

SHC continues to assess its housing portfolio, working with housing authorities to identify and prioritize units for investment with a focus on communities with the greatest housing need. A comprehensive review of the City of Estevan's housing portfolio has been initiated to assess opportunities for investment, divestment, and partnerships.

We value the feedback shared through the SUMA resolution process. Continued engagement with municipal partners and housing authorities helps inform future planning, operational considerations, and long-term program sustainability.

Your director, Sean McKenzie, is welcome to contact me at 306-933-8464 or roger.parenteau@gov.sk.ca if he would like to arrange a meeting to discuss housing authority funding further.

Thank you for your ongoing advocacy and collaboration as we continue to work with our partners to provide affordable housing to Saskatchewan households in the greatest need.

Sincerely,

Roger Parenteau

Executive Director, Housing Operations