Rent arrears are piling up. Homelessness is rising. And affordable housing agencies in Saskatoon are grappling with evictions from people on social assistance.
Sask advocates, landlords concerned coming final changes to social assistance could spur homelessness cbc.ca - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from cbc.ca Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Council passes first two readings of new property tax bylaw despite concerns from landlords and non-profit housing groups
Saskatchewan Landlords Association (SLA) CEO Cameron Choquette speaks to Prince Albert city council during a meeting on April 14, 2021. – Jason Kerr/Daily Herald
A new property tax bylaw that includes a $35 base tax to pay for four new police officers passed the first two readings on Monday despite concerns from the Saskatchewan Landlords Association (SLA) and local non-profit housing groups that the tax would unfairly target them.
Council approved the first two readings by a 7-2 margin after more than one hour of discussion and debate. The third and final reading is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.
As the pandemic deepens across Canada, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported a higher rate of rent arrears in Saskatchewan’s two largest cities.
Posted: Jan 29, 2021 5:49 PM CT | Last Updated: January 29
Regina s total arrears (6.6 per cent) are slightly higher than the national rate, which is 6.1 per cent of units behind on rent. Meanwhile, Saskatoon sits at less than half the national rate. (CBC)