Saskatchewan’s Housing Leaders Launch Housing Blueprint ahead of Provincial Election
SASKATOON, SK (SEPT 16, 2024) –Saskatchewan’s Housing Leaders have released Secure Homes, Strong Future: A Housing Policy Blueprint for Saskatchewan ahead of the 2024 provincial election. The blueprint is built on grassroots consultations and expert research within the housing industry – providing insights and recommendations to support Saskatchewan’s housing continuum.
Saskatchewan’s residential housing industry, including construction, rental, and real estate, faces a significant gap in housing inventory to accommodate future population growth. Secure Homes, Strong Future focuses on policy amendments and funding investments that would support the province’s residential housing industry and provide homes for Saskatchewan’s growing population.
Saskatchewan continues to attract, house, and employ people at record levels – a growing province means more housing units are required to ensure that the Saskatchewan advantage remains intact,” stated Saskatchewan’s Housing Leaders. “Our plan proposes common-sense ideas to build more affordable homes faster by improving affordability, unlocking development, lowering construction costs, and setting the stage for the future.”
The blueprint has four priority areas and includes several recommendations for provincial political parties to consider:
1. Enhancing Affordability and Reducing Housing Costs
- Adjusting PST for affordable home construction
- Reinstating the Home Renovation Tax Credit
- Making the Secondary Suite Incentive (SSI) Program permanent
- Avoiding additional costs through unnecessary changes to codes and regulations
2. Building More Homes Faster
- Conducting an audit of underused government properties for affordable housing
- Provide provincial support for infill projects
- Support housing-enabling and growth infrastructure
3. Stronger Provincial Leadership on Housing
- Establish a Provincial Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure
4. Supporting Rental Housing Providers & Protecting Tenants
- Improving efficiency and accessibility in rental housing provider-tenant dispute resolution
- Strengthening mechanisms for rent arrears and damages collections
The SRHBA recognizes that housing is the cornerstone of Saskatchewan’s economy. “Housing is not just about providing shelter—it’s about building communities, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. The decisions we make now will have a profound impact on our future,” says Burgess.
Our association is committed to advocating for policies that enable our industry to build more homes, faster, while keeping housing affordable for the people of Saskatchewan. The recommendations in the Secure Homes, Strong Future blueprint provide a clear and actionable path forward for policymakers.
Click to view the full Secure Homes, Strong Future: A Housing Policy Blueprint for Saskatchewan document.
Let’s take action now to ensure that Saskatchewan remains a place where everyone can find a home and build a future.
For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Nicole Burgess
Chief Executive Officer
Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association
ceo@saskatoonhomebuilders.com
306-955-5188
