Sask. auditor says high social housing vacancy rates in Regina need to be addressed
Saskatchewan’s auditor says Regina had nearly 18 per cent of all social housing vacancies in the province at one point in 2024.
According to Auditor Tara Clemett’s report released on Tuesday, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation had 534 vacant social housing units across the province, but Regina in particular accounted for 17.8 per cent of them in May of 2024.
Clemett says that indicates improved plans are needed for social housing in Regina to address high rates.
“Over the past several years, Regina not only had the most vacancies, but also the highest vacancy rate in corporation-owned units,” Clemett said in her report.
According to Clemett, in 2020, Regina’s vacancy rates among corporation-owned units was 18.1 per cent. That followed increases to 23.2 per cent and 24.9 per cent the next two years before dropping to 21.8 per cent and 16.2 per cent in 2023 and 2024.
“Through its Social Housing Program, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation aims to provide safe, adequate rental housing and subsidize rents based on financial need. The Corporation owned about 3,000 social housing units in Regina as of June 2024, and the Regina Housing Authority managed these units,” the report outlined.
In Tuesday’s report, Clemett made eight recommendations in total.
“The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation does not regularly assess how long Social Housing Program applicants wait or why, or types of units requested (e.g., number of bedrooms needed). It also does not sufficiently track and analyze its vacant units (e.g., types and duration of units under repair) or trends in demand to determine where to focus repairs,” the report outlined.
“Doing so might help the corporation identify changes needed to its housing portfolio and inform plans to get chronically vacant units back into service.”
Other recommendations made my Clemett included:
- Complete its forecast of long-term social housing needs in Regina to sufficiently identify gaps
- Identify and respond to possibly over-housed social housing tenants in Regina (i.e., tenants living in units too large for their needs)
- Enhance its operational reviews of the Regina Housing Authority
- Report progress on improving building conditions of social housing units in Regina
The full report can be found here.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
LIVE UPDATES
LIVE UPDATES Tracking the L.A. wildfires: 2 dead as major fires at 0% containment, locals describe 'terrifying' escape
A series of wildfires are searing through the Los Angeles area, forcing many to evacuate their homes. Follow along here for the latest updates. Numerous buildings were destroyed and nearly 3,000 acres burned in the Pacific Palisades. Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate further through today.
How does Canada rank among the world's most powerful passports?
A new global ranking may raise doubts about Canada's reputation of being open to other countries.
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
Is Donald Trump kidding? Americans in Canada react to tariff, annexation threats
While Donald Trump's comments on tariffs and Canada becoming 'the 51st state' have drawn anger and fear among Canadians, reaction from Americans who live, study or work in Canada has been mixed, and is largely influenced by how they voted in the presidential election.
Hollywood stars forced to flee amid devastating Los Angeles wildfires
Large parts of Los Angeles County are under evacuation orders Wednesday as massive wildfires spread through the megacity's hilltop suburbs. Here is what some of the stars are seeing from their backyards.
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
4 generations on 1 lot: One family's creative response to B.C.'s housing crisis
A single lot in Delta, B.C., that used to be home to a single rancher built in the 80s is the site of four separate homes, housing four generations of the same family.
Body of at least 1 Israeli hostage is recovered in Gaza, military says
Israeli forces have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza, the military said Wednesday, adding that it was identifying additional remains that could belong to another captive held in the war-torn enclave.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatchewan man shares story of losing $30,000 to text scam just before Christmas
A Prince Albert man said he lost nearly $30,000 to a text message scam just before Christmas.
-
Most popular baby names in Saskatchewan in 2024
Saskatchewan’s health ministry released its latest list of the top baby names in the province, and it looks parents are still opting for traditional — with a few exceptions.
-
Saskatoon Blades enter 'new era' with major trade
The Saskatoon Blades have acquired two players and five draft picks from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for Nashville Predators prospect Tanner Molendyk and shutdown forward Misha Volotovskii.
Winnipeg
-
Patient dies in waiting room at Winnipeg hospital
An investigation is underway after a patient waiting for care died in the waiting room at a Winnipeg hospital Tuesday morning.
-
'Unacceptable': Removal of beaver dam in Manitoba community sends surge downstream
The removal of a beaver dam in a rural Manitoba community is having some unintended consequences, sending a small flood downstream, catching residents off-guard.
-
Missing man found dead: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man who had been missing since last month has died.
Edmonton
-
'Not an easy decision': Chinatown's Italian Bakery to close for good due to safety concerns
After 64 years in business, the Italian Bakery in Chinatown is closing its doors for good.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Josh Classen's forecast: Windy, wet, warm and melty
The warming trend continues, although it won't be in a straight line over the coming days.
-
Alberta business braces for looming U.S. tariffs, embraces potential opportunities because of them
While Alberta's trading future with the United States is uncertain given the imminent threat of punishing tariffs promised by incoming President Donald Trump, business leaders say there is reason for optimism the province could avoid extensive blowback given the importance of energy to Canada's neighbouring global superpower.
Calgary
-
Changes are coming to optometry coverage for Alberta children and seniors
Effective Feb. 1, Alberta's UCP government will be decreasing payments and delisting some services for children and seniors.
-
Airport rail service to kick off Calgary city council's 2025 meetings
Calgary city council is back for the first meeting of 2025, with a committee getting a look at the possibility of train service to the airport.
-
10 things to do in Calgary this weekend (Jan. 10 – 12)
10 things happening in Calgary this weekend.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge charitable organizations still in need of donations after Christmas
Many of Lethbridge's charitable organizations hold large Christmas fundraising campaigns, but once the new year hits, the need for donations is still there.
-
Cellphone connected to Lethbridge homicide may have been thrown into truck bed: police
Lethbridge police are searching for a cellphone they believe is linked to a homicide in the city in late December.
-
Lethbridge leaders, political experts react to Trudeau resignation
Following Monday's announcement that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader, political experts in Lethbridge say it was a matter of time before he'd resign.
Toronto
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
-
150 workers terminated after Canada-based company behind listeria outbreak files for creditor protection
Roughly 150 workers at a Canada-based beverage manufacturing and packaging company are demanding answers after recently losing their jobs without warning.
Ottawa
-
Ottawa police constable demoted following impaired driving crash in police vehicle
An Ottawa police constable has been demoted for 22 months in connection to an impaired driving crash while in an unmarked police vehicle on St. Patrick's Day last year.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
-
A look at the proposed designs for new north-side stands at Lansdowne
The City of Ottawa is providing a glimpse of the plans for a new north-side stands at TD Place and a new 'Event Centre,' ahead of public consultations on Lansdowne 2.0 this month.
Montreal
-
Blowing snow, icy temperatures causing accidents in Montreal
Blowing snow and freezing temperatures are causing road accidents in and around Montreal.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador Opposition calls to halt vote on Quebec energy deal
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives asked the premier today to suspend a vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is reviewed by independent experts.
-
2 injured after getting hit by potential stolen car in Montreal
Two people are injured after their vehicle was hit by a car that Montreal police suspects could have been stolen.
Vancouver
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
-
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
Vancouver Island
-
Mounties seize $1.7M in contraband cigarettes near Victoria
Mounties say a stash of contraband cigarettes valued at more than $1.7 million has been seized from a property near Victoria.
-
61-year-old pedestrian killed in Vancouver Island crash
A pickup truck struck and killed a pedestrian in Nanoose Bay on Vancouver Island late last week, police said in an appeal for witnesses and video.
-
B.C. doctors comparing avian flu that infected teen with that of Louisiana patient
The BC Centre for Disease Control says it is comparing the genetic features of a local teenager's avian flu case with that of a Louisiana patient who died earlier this week.
Kelowna
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
-
Charges laid after child porn investigation that 'spanned several different countries,' Kelowna RCMP say
Police in Kelowna say an international investigation has led to child pornography charges against a 46-year-old man.
London
-
More snow on the way for your Wednesday afternoon, but signs of the system weakening
According to CTV London Meteorologist Julie Atchison, an additional 10 to 15 centimetres is projected as we head into the afternoon, with squalls creating varied conditions throughout the region.
-
Attempted robbery of London jewellery store has LPS on the hunt for four suspects
According to police, at roughly 4:15 p.m., four men arrived in a white SUV, and entered a jewellery store in the 400-block Wharncliffe Road South.
-
Teen faces charges after damaging two vehicles in an argument: London police
Just before 9:40 p.m. in the south end of London, police say that three young men were on Dalhousie Crescent when they began arguing. One of them used an expandable baton to damage the other two young people’s cars.
Kitchener
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
-
Wilmot residents weigh in on proposed 51 per cent tax hike
People in Wilmot had their say as they potentially face down an almost 51 per cent tax hike.
-
New details released in case against admitted doula defrauder in Ontario
A woman, who previously admitted to faking pregnancies and defrauding numerous doulas, has pleaded guilty again to similar crimes, committed while serving her sentence on the original set of charges.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ontario airport expanding security screening
The Timmins airport will begin expanding security screening this month for flights in northern Ontario and western Quebec, at the request of Mushkegowuk Council.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Ontario pitches energy partnership amid Trump's threats of tariffs, Canada acquisition
In the face of incoming U.S. president Donald Trump’s threat to acquire Canada, Ontario Premier Doug Ford is touting the strength of the province's energy supply to generate revenue and jobs on both sides of the border.
-
'What are we talking about?' Trump's 'economic force' comments cause worry, disbelief
Incoming U.S. president Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric around implementing tariffs on Canadian products are sparking worry and disbelief, though some of the companies potentially most affected are staying quiet.
Atlantic
-
Longtime friend mourns the death of N.S. woman killed in Edmonton
Kenda Hayman from Pictou County, N.S., is mourning the death of her long-time friend, Ashley Burke, who was killed in Edmonton, Alta, in an act of intimate partner violence.
-
Minister LeBlanc not running for Liberal leadership, as caucus meets for first time since Trudeau resignation
Longtime cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc will not be running to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as head of the Liberals. He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday.
-
N.S. RCMP releases photo of vehicle of interest after shots fired in Cole Harbour
The Nova Scotia RCMP has identified a vehicle of interest after a shooting in Cole Harbour early Sunday morning.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador Opposition calls to halt vote on Quebec energy deal
Newfoundland and Labrador's Opposition Progressive Conservatives asked the premier today to suspend a vote on a draft energy deal with Quebec's hydro utility until it is reviewed by independent experts.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador energy deal with Quebec under scrutiny as debate opens
Newfoundland and Labrador politicians are digging into the details of the province's draft energy deal with Quebec as four days of debate begin today in St. John's, N.L.
-
Part of street washed away and state of emergency declared in N.L. town after storm
Damaging winds and pounding surf that washed away part of a street in a small northeastern town in Newfoundland on Sunday triggered a state of emergency in the coastal community.
