REGINA — Six family units have been upgraded at Regency Gardens to accommodate larger families.
Each new unit includes six bedrooms and more than 1,300 square feet.
“By creating homes of this size, we're responding directly to the growing demand for family-sized housing as well as other types of housing in Regina,” said Terry Jenson, minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).
The Saskatchewan and Canadian governments together contributed $3.35 million toward the renovations.
The upgrades were part of a three-phase plan from the Regina Housing Authority (RHA) to rejuvenate or rebuild the 115 units at Regency Gardens.
Shelly Christian, general manager of the RHA, said the units were built 65 years ago and were due for renovations.
“Having [well-maintained] social housing available for people with beds makes it more attractive to come to the city,” said Jenson.
Overall, Jenson said the province is investing roughly $83 million to repair or renovate housing across Saskatchewan.
He cited Bryant Place, an apartment complex overseen by the Prince Albert Housing Authority, Westview Place in Saskatoon, and Prairie Place, a senior housing unit under the RHA, as examples of ongoing projects.
“There are [also] renovation projects happening right from Estevan all the way up to northern communities like Meadow Lake across to Nipawin, all over the province,” Jenson added.
In speaking with families, Jenson said it’s clear the upgrades are making a difference.
“It gives them the ability to be part of the community, and it gives them something that's safe and stable.”
With 115 units renovated, Christian said she would like to see new units built at Regency Gardens, but that decision rests with the SHC.
