Sask. gov’t transfers 10 social housing units to Regina rent-to-own program

Saskatchewan has handed over 10 Regina homes to Silver Sage Housing for renovation and long-term lease-to-own plan. Wayne Mantyka reports.

The Government of Saskatchewan has given 10 social housing units to the Silver Sage Housing Corporation non-profit.

The units will be used for Silver Sage’s rent-to-own program in Regina’s North Central Neighbourhood.

“Home ownership is empowering,” said Regan Sanderson, development officer with Silver Sage.

“Owning your own asset and putting your money towards your future rather than your rent payments, it’s life changing.”

Mayor Chad Bachynski said he welcomed the initiative to promote home ownership in Regina.

“Overall as a city, our objective is to ensure that we have vibrant neighbourhoods for all residents, that we have successful amenities for all residents and create the conditions for that to happen,” he told media.

According to the province, all of the units will be brought up to standard before residents move into them.

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With all 10 units being transferred to Silver Sage, the non-profit will be responsible for program operations, property management, maintenance, taxes, insurance and participant support.

The province will also provide a forgivable renovation loan of up to $200,000 for modest repairs.

Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said the initiative will help promote home ownership in North Central.

Silver Sage is an organization that is dedicated to providing social housing to First Nations people. It manages 371 income-based rental units in Regina and across southern Saskatchewan.

“This initiative reflects the power of partnership in creating lasting housing solutions. Through Silver Sage’s LIFT (Lease into Full Title) program, families will have the opportunity to build stability, strengthen their financial future and ultimately achieve the dream of homeownership,” Silver Sage Chief executive officer Natoshia Bastien said in a news release.

The rent-to-own program was first announced in 2024 with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Regina and the Government of Saskatchewan.

Tenants who lease for 15 years with the program become owners at no additional cost.

Since 2007, Silver Sage has worked in partnership with the province to develop 144 affordable housing units through its rental housing development program, which includes this program.

— With files from Wayne Mantyka