Food And Drinks

Regina council approves speedy housing; talks authorized dispute

By Frank C. Bonner

  1. City Hall

The program is the third iteration of the federal rapid housing initiative which previously helped a 29-unit supportive housing project get off the ground

Dignitaries deform a ceremonial sod-turning during a sod-turning event for new Rapid Housing Initiative by Silver Sage Housing on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 in Regina. Silver Sage Housing held a blessing and sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction on its Rapid Housing Initiative, to provide an affordable infill development that will include 29 units of permanent housing that will include wrap-around supports for families and individuals experiencing the risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. Dignitaries deform a ceremonial sod-turning during a sod-turning event for new Rapid Housing Initiative by Silver Sage Housing on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 in Regina. Silver Sage Housing held a blessing and sod-turning ceremony to mark the start of construction on its Rapid Housing Initiative, to provide an affordable infill development that will include 29 units of permanent housing that will include wrap-around supports for families and individuals experiencing the risk of homelessness and housing insecurity. Photo by KAYLE NEIS /Regina Leader-Post

Regina’s city council has voted 10–1 in favour of a new round of rapid housing initiative funding, readying to enter agreements with various levels of government to get the projects built.

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Coun. Bob Hawkins (Ward 3) started off by saying this is a “good news story” before reading the report before city council on Wednesday afternoon. The motion was first considered in a private session during a Nov. 30 meeting.

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The report says Regina “has been selected to receive funding to support the delivery of affordable rental housing as part of the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative.”

Coun. Terina Nelson (Ward 7) asked if this was “exactly the same project” that the city entered into at 120 Broad St., referring to the 29-unit supportive housing project which started this year.

Administration said the program is the same but the city will take a different approach this time around. The city will seek proposals from non-profits and go from there, whereas the previous project sought a partner to address homelessness and the need for wraparound housing and supportive living.

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New builds or refurbishments are possible but the specifics of the projects are not yet available since the tendering of proposals will only open on Dec. 12, 2022.

“Bring us your projects,” said a member of city administration.

New construction, rehabilitation of abandoned units, and non-residential conversion are all possibilities. Different types of housing are also possible, like supportive housing or even rental units so long as there is a degree of affordability guaranteed for 20 years.

The money received will go towards capital costs.

“We don’t know what kind of project proposals we’re going to receive,” said city administration.

Coun. Dan LeBlanc (Ward 6) asked if there was a shortage of rental stock in the city as it stands.

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City administration said vacancy is around seven per cent and varies from one neighbourhood to another.

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“What does building 25 new homes do to address housing insecurity,” asked LeBlanc. City administration said purpose-built housing targets certain vulnerable groups within the city where barriers to housing might be acute.

Legal action

Another matter on the agenda Wednesday was a vote affirming council’s confidence in newly appointed city manager Niki Anderson. Anderson has been taken to court by lawyer LeBlanc, Coun. Andrew Stevens (Ward 3) and local activist Florence Stratton.

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The originating application seeks an order from the courts that the city manager includes funding to end homelessness as a line item in the city’s proposed budget for 2023. Right now that motion has been costed out but it was not added.

The notice of motion seeks “affirm and convey its continued confidence in City Manager Niki Anderson” while also expressing “disappointment over the negative impact on City Council’s operational integrity and oversight that the initiated court action has created.”

All but LeBlanc and Stevens signed the motion.

Hawkins said the matter could have been resolved at council and he was disappointed the courts are being brought into the matter. Nelson said the originating application made her “embarrassed to be a council member.”

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Food hub and healing

A new location for the Regina Food Bank (RFB) at 1720 12th Avenue was approved unanimously forming a food hub in the city’s core. According to council documents the location is a  former government liquor store, which would serve as “primary food distribution point for the RFB,” enhancing the existing location.

Hawkins said it was more of a “store” than a traditional food bank location which will manage to cut down on trips to the current location out on Winnipeg Street.

Bresciani spoke in favour of the accessibility of the location. “We look forward to that coming together,” she said. The city approved of up to $200,000 in funding for the location and the leasing of an adjacent vacant lot on 1720 12th Ave.

The vote passed unanimously as did the request from Cowesses First Nation to close off a lane to develop a healing centre in the city.

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