REGINA — The Ranch Ehrlo Society, non-profit that operates group living, clinical, family, community, and educational programs across the province, is facing a heavy cost for revitalizing its Lakeshore Village apartments in Regina.
A preliminary inspection done by a third-party revealed an initial estimated cost of over $2 million to upgrade 43 affordable units.
“The $2 million is a lot,” said Shelley Sayer, director of Ehrlo Housing. “We knew that this wasn’t just about putting lipstick on apartments.”
The inspection listed several areas in need of upgrades, including health and safety, electrical, plumbing, and fire separation.
Sayer also noted the building is nearly 70 years old.
“As buildings age, this is something that we need to continually do to keep these units in the housing network.”
Currently, families who have dependent children occupy the units which are one or two bedrooms.
The Ranch Ehrlo Society partners with the City of Regina and Saskatchewan Housing Authority to set rental rates at the low-income threshold.
Depending on the size and any upgrades done, Sayer said units go for between $900 and $1,100 a month.
As these units near the end of their life, Sayer stressed the importance of ensuring affordable units don’t go away.
“My understanding is all the non-profits that provide affordable housing in the city have long wait lists. And so it’d be very, very difficult for our families to try and find something comparable.”
The process of revitalizing the area is currently in its pre-development phase, which includes architectural and construction drawings.
Through its Housing Incentives Program, the City of Regina has committed upwards of $50,000 to help cover pre-development costs.
However, final costs for the entire revitalization could be larger than the initial approximate $2 million, said Sayer.
To cover these costs, the Ranch Ehrlo Society will seek federal funding.
However, the external funding needed won’t be clear until the organization gets the final costs for the project.
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