The ribbon is cut on a $16 million renovation to Prince Albert's Village Green public housing complex. The cost was split between the federal and provincial governments. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Housing units ready

No vacancy: with 130 family wait list, newly renovated units in high demand at PA housing

Jul 25, 2024 | 4:36 PM

Prince Albert Housing has a zero per cent vacancy rate, said general manager David DeVos on Thursday, and that makes the official opening of 63 newly renovated units a welcome thing.

PAHA started work 2.5 years ago – thanks to a federal/provincial grant via the National Housing Strategy – on re-doing the entire Village Green complex on 2nd Street East.

“We have zero percent vacancy on the family housing. And the only units that we have available after this is full will be the units that we are turning over and we run about a 30 to 45 day turnover,” said DeVos. “So as soon as a unit’s ready, it’s allocated right away. So we have 0% available.”

Along with no vacancies, there are 130 families waiting to get a unit if they can, many hoping to move from northern Saskatchewan, although an increasing number are families new to Canada and making an arduous transition.

Inside one of the newly renovated units at Village Green. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

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In order to complete the upgrades, contractors took the buildings apart right to the studs and re-did everything.

“You could see through the walls,” said DeVos.

Families qualify based on income and rent is charged based on 30 per cent of their gross but a minimum of about $350 applies and the maximum is capped at around $1,100.

The units come with fridges and stoves, but other major appliances are not included.

“You know, it’s a pretty small percentage that move through and eventually go into the private housing. But you know we try to celebrate all of their successes. You know when simple things like when they can buy their own washer and dryer, you know that’s a huge success that they’ve been able to save up,” he said.

In order to minimize disruptions to the tenants, the re-building was done in three phases as tenants left on their own. Others were moved so buildings could be re-done.

Those moving into the new units are extremely happy.

“It’s exciting to hear and some of them we’ve visited, it’s still amazing how clean it is and in mint shape, just like when they moved in,” DeVos said.

Inside one of the newly renovated units at Village Green. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

The work was done with about 95 per cent local contractors.

Originally built in 1977, the units received extensive renovations including energy efficiency improvements, interior and exterior finishes, fixtures and landscaping.

“So every single unit was taken right down the stud, so you were able to see right through the unit if you drove by here, all you’d see is a bunch of framing,” he said. Roofs were extended and even the water and sewer lines are new.

The $16 million in funding was provided for the project through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) – Canada Community Housing Initiative (CCHI).

“The federal government recognizes the crucial need to build more homes for our most vulnerable Canadians, including low-income families here in Saskatchewan,” Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan Dan Vandal said on behalf of Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Sean Fraser.

“Through strong partnership and collaboration with the province, we are bringing projects like Village Green to life and making affordable housing a reality for Saskatchewanians. I am pleased to share in today’s good news, and I wish all these families the best as they move into their beautiful new homes.”

Tenants will start moving into the final group of completed units starting on August 1.

susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com