The federal government is investing $1.9 million in affordable housing repairs in Yorkton, for upgrades to 50 units owned and operated by the Yorkton Parkland Housing Society. Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson made the announcement during a stop in Yorkton on Friday, noting the investment will help improve housing conditions in the city. “That’s the repair of the homes for families, individuals, people with disabilities to make sure those are fantastic homes to live in again,” the minister said in his speech. Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle welcomed the funding, noting the growing demand for affordable housing in the city and surrounding region. “We know the need for affordable housing in Yorkton and our region is significant, and investments like these help create more stability and opportunity for people in our communities,” Kienle said. The Yorkton Parkland Housing Society says the federal contribution will allow it to maintain affordable rental options for vulnerable residents. “For the people that are less fortunate, for those that aren’t working, for those that need that extra help,” said chairperson Sharon Green. A few weeks prior, the mayor told CTV News there’s a high demand in town for low-income housing. “Between Yorkton Housing Corp and also the Saskatchewan Housing Authority, there’s over 400 [units] that are on a waitlist,” Kienle said in early October, adding that the city currently has roughly 150 units. The announcement also included funding for housing projects in Yellow Quill Lake First Nation. “Sixty homes are going to be built or renovated and then brought up to a good standard, all from the Affordable Housing Fund,” he said. The housing announcement comes days after a separate federal infrastructure funding commitment to Yorkton. On Tuesday, Secretary of State for Rural Development Buckley Belanger announced a $50-million joint investment in the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Robertson said the timing of the recent federal funding announcements is not tied to the anticipated federal byelection in Yorkton. “I don’t know the status of the byelection call that seems looming. But we want to make sure that communities like Yorkton know the federal government is about all Canadians,” he said. Repairs to the Yorkton housing units are expected to be completed by 2028.
