New Network Formed to Support Housing in Saskatchewan
May 11, 2022
For immediate release
The Saskatchewan real estate and housing sector is announcing today that five prominent stakeholders have formed a network to promote collaborations towards the wellbeing of Saskatchewan’s housing continuum.
The new partnership, named Saskatchewan Housing Continuum Network (SHCN), is a network of associations who individually, and now collectively, promote a healthy housing continuum as the cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s competitive edge.
The five founding partners stand for all segments of the housing continuum: Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan (HHS), the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association (RRHBA), the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA), Saskatchewan Landlord Association (SKLA) and the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association (SRA).
“This is really a key moment for Saskatchewan,” comments Cam Choquette, CEO of the SKLA. “We are quite thrilled to solidify our collaboration to benefit housing in our province.”
“It’s imperative we understand the Saskatchewan housing supply reality and start preparing now to avoid the kinds of challenges so many of our neighbours are facing,” comments Chris Guérette, CEO of the SRA.
“If one of our associations is successful, we are all successful, which is why this networkmakes so much sense,” comments Silvia Martini, interim CEO of the SRHBA. “We have some great synergy between our associations right now, through past policy work and projects,” comments Stu Niebergall, RRHBA CEO, “and maybe because of this pandemic – this collaboration flourished which a nice silver lining I suppose.”
The Network will unveil their first official project later this week – research on identifying the current housing gap and what Saskatchewan needs to grow. “I am thrilled Habitat for Humanity can be part of such a valuable collaboration. Even for a charity such as ours, collaborations are key to success which trickles down to those we serve,” comments HHS CEO Denis Perrault. “And frankly, it’s easier for policy makers and our government leaders to work with our sector if we are largely on the same page.”
In 2021, real estate rental and leasing, as well as home building totaled more than $12 billion of Saskatchewan’s GDP, making it the second largest economic pillar in Saskatchewan.
The Memorandum of Understanding between all parties was signed this week, formalizing the network and its intent. While more symbolic than binding, other parties are certainly welcome. “Housing is an economic pillar that impacts many players and sectors – this is definitely not a closed group, and we look forward to future collaborations”, said Guerette.
-30-
For media inquiries:
Habitat for Humanity
Denis Perrault, CEO
asktheceo@habitatsask.ca
306-347-4673
Saskatchewan Landlord Association
Cameron Choquette, CEO
eo@skla.ca
306-653-7149
Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association
Stu Niebergall, President & CEO
s.niebergall@reginahomebuilders.com
306-546-5221
Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association
Silvia Martini, Interim CEO
ceo@saskatoonhomebuilders.com
306-955-5188
Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association
Samantha Krahn, Director of Government & External Relations
samantha@sra.ca
306-229-4048
