Battlefords MLA Jeremy Cockrill. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Housing Issue

Battlefords MLA not surprised by high local social housing unit vacancy, solution talks ongoing

Jul 26, 2023 | 4:25 PM

The vacancy rate of Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) units has skyrocketed including in the Battlefords.

According to information from the SHC, obtained by the Sask. NDP, 143 of the 629 spaces in the area aren’t being used.

This represents a 23 per cent vacancy rate putting the Battlefords near the top of the list across the province along with Regina, Estevan, and Meadow Lake.

Jeremy Cockrill, the MLA for the Battlefords and the Sask. Minister of Highways, told battlefordsNOW he wasn’t surprised.

He explained most of the units are senior housing as many who would typically use them are looking at other options.

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“We’ve had several new senior housing options open up or expand, seniors may also be making other decisions in terms of where they choose to live in the community,” he said.

Cockrill added the provincial government continues to hold meetings with groups in areas dealing with high vacancy rates. One idea being discussed is possibly allocating some housing to other vulnerable people.

“We need to see if there are more ways for the assets to be best used,” Cockrill said.

One group which could benefit is the homeless. Cockrill didn’t know the latest homeless count, though he explained it’s an important issue even if there’s just one person.

However, in his opinion, this issue won’t be fixed by just letting these people stay at these units.

“It’s not as simple as just giving someone the keys to a new apartment, a lot of folks need support,” he said.

This includes mental health and addiction.

Cockrill noted one initiative they’re looking into is turning the old Drumming Hill Youth Centre and its 14 beds into a space to care for people suffering from mental health and addiction issues.

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Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow