The Government of Saskatchewan is leading the development of a comprehensive housing strategy by the end of June 2011. The strategy will be developed by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation in co-ordination with stakeholders in the housing industry, including rural and urban municipalities, home builders and developers, real estate organizations, chambers of commerce and community-based organizations across Saskatchewan.
The goal of the strategy is to strengthen Saskatchewan's affordable housing system in the short term and give it a solid foundation for the future.
"The strategy will be long-term, targeted and strategic," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "It will include measures that will have an immediate, positive impact, as well as changes that will ensure a well-functioning housing system into the future."
The development of the comprehensive strategy was announced earlier this week at the annual convention of the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) in Saskatoon.
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation will broadly consult housing stakeholders across the province as part of the strategy's development. Consultations will include a three-day housing summit, to be held April 19-21 in Saskatoon. These consultations will help Saskatchewan Housing Corporation gain valuable insight into local housing needs.
"Once completed, the strategy will help bring clarity to all levels of government, including municipalities, various ministries of the provincial government, as well as stakeholders such as builders and developers on each of our roles in delivering housing solutions," Draude said. "The overall aim of the housing strategy will be to support a growing population and make certain that housing is accessible to all people in Saskatchewan."
The housing strategy will also focus on the need to remove barriers to efficiency in the housing sector and develop strategies for the entire housing continuum - from shelters to the higher-end rental market to home ownership - with an emphasis on affordable and accessible housing.
