By Nigel Maxwell

New rental housing unit provides answer to ‘complex’ problem

Sep 5, 2018 | 1:56 PM

A brand new rental housing project is taking shape in Prince Albert’s midtown area.

The six-unit housing complex will provide a place to live for people who have in the past struggled meeting rent due to mental ilness or other similar complex needs. Doug Kinar, the Prince Albert executive director for the Canadian Mental Health Association, said the project helps residents develop their own routine.

“It gives them an opportunity to branch out, to learn how to be independent and build their self-esteem,” he said.

The price tag for the project, just over $612,000, is cost shared between the provincial and federal governments. The clients who live in the building will benefit from a full-time caseworker who is funded by the Saskatchewan Health Authority. Kinar said there is a great need for more projects like this in the city.

“I’ve got 24 people on my list right now and the list is always evolving,” he said.

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Kinar said sometimes their clients are able to find housing elsewhere but adds others remain on the list for an indefinite period of time. The new housing complex is the second of its kind in the area. An eight-unit project was built in 2016, just down the street. Ward four councilor Don Cody said he has heard no complaints about the residents who live there.

“They are great to have in our community and we have heard nothing at all that would be against it,” he said.

Developers anticipate construction to be complete in March with an April 1 move-in date.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story stated Doug Kinar was the executive director of the Canadian Mortgage Corporation. He is, in fact, the executive director for the Prince Albert Canadian Mental Health Association. The story was corrected to reflect this change.

nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell