Brian Howell speaks as Riverbank Development Corporation unveils their 100th house in the city (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

By Michael Joel-Hansen

Affordable Housing

More affordable housing available in P.A.

Jun 6, 2019 | 6:02 PM

A local non-profit is marking a big milestone.

Riverbank Development Corporation acquired its 100th house in the city. Brian Howell, general manager of the corporation, said they saw lots of growth since they started offering affordable housing in 2003. When it started, the corporation had two apartment buildings.

Howell said the organization feels it is important to be involved in offering affordable houses to rent for larger families as there is a real shortage in the city. To identify families who would qualify to rent the house Riverbank works with other community groups. In the event their partners don’t have anyone, applications are accepted.

Howell said his organization plans to work to acquire more houses given the current situation.

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“It’s just good business to go where the shortages are and where the need is,” he said.

Along with seeing a need to offer affordable houses to rent, Howell said the organization likes to work with families and help children.

Riverbank’s newest house, which they officially took possession of at the end of last month is not currently occupied. Generally before people move in some work is done on the house to make sure the property is in good shape.

In order to take possession of the house, Riverbank worked and received funding from both the provincial and federal governments.

Coun. Don Cody, who spoke on behalf of the City of Prince Albert, said he appreciates the federal and provincial government coming forward to offer support to help groups like Riverbank.

“If you don’t have some subsidies from senior governments you’re never going to be able to do that,” he said.

The long-time city councillor as well thanked Riverbank Development for contributing to the city. Cody added he appreciates the way the community organization goes about getting houses ready for families and their approach.

“What’s nice to see is that we didn’t knock the house down and start from fresh,” he said.

A small crowd came out to see the house unveiled Thursday afternoon (Michael Joel-Hansen/paNOW Staff)

MichaelJoel.Hansen@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @mjhskcdn