By Charlene Tebbutt

Councillors throw support behind new housing incentive programs

Jan 15, 2019 | 7:23 AM

Local city councillors have thrown their support behind two new housing programs for Prince Albert, both with the goal of providing more individuals and families with a safe and affordable place to live.

The new initiatives – one aimed at creating more affordable housing, and the other to upgrade more secondary rental suites – were discussed Monday evening at the city council executive committee meeting. The motions still need to be formally approved and will be on the agenda at an upcoming council meeting.

Once approved, the programs will offer rebates to non-profit organizations looking to build affordable housing units in the city. Residents with pre-existing secondary suites would also be eligible for rebates for work they do to bring their units up to national building code standards.

The idea was applauded by local councillors, with many saying Prince Albert is long overdue for better and more affordable housing options. The move is also being welcomed by non-profit representatives, who say the incentive programs will keep local people, and jobs, in the community.

“Years ago we all came to the conclusion that you know we’re paying lots of taxes and supporting the city through construction and jobs,” said Brian Howell with River Bank Development Corporation. “So, we would ask for the City to consider returning some of that to support the projects and you know, hopefully then, getting a return on their money.”

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The City has been allocating $42,850 each year for housing programs in Prince Albert, and has just over $700,000 in funds available for the new incentive program.

Howell said River Bank pays $12,000 each month in property and education taxes for the 100 rental units the organization manages locally. He said there is a big need in Prince Albert for single-family housing units, especially for larger families. As for affordable housing, the city is short of everything from apartments to duplexes to bachelor suites.

“Their (renter) income from Social Services or from part-time minimum wage or from unemployment insurance or whatever is just not enough,” Howell added.

Mayor Greg Dionne said the new agreements will ensure money is available for much-needed local housing development and support local jobs and community projects.

“The basics of life is food and shelter and we’re working on both,” Dionne said. “It’s a start, we’ll need some more [and] I hope in three or four years, they’re coming to us saying we have to put more money into the program, because that means the program’s successful.”

As part of the affordable housing program, non-profit groups will be required to commit to a 15-year operating agreement with the City and ensure all units will be rented at 80 per cent of the market rate, as determined by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Funding under the new secondary suite program would cover 50 per cent of eligible construction costs, to a maximum of $2,500. Properties would need to pass an inspection by the City’s building and fire inspectors as well before being approved.

A report from City administration said there are currently “hundreds” of illegal suites in Prince Albert.

Councillors also discussed the idea of incentives for private housing developers. City administration said options around private development are still being reviewed.

Charlene.tebbutt@jbpg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt