REGINA — Namerind Housing Corporation has been greenlit for new affordable housing units.
In a vote 10-1, council approved 48 mixed units downtown at 1840 Lorne Street.
“It’s by the park, it’s by the library, it’s by the buses. To me, this is everything,” said Robert Byers, Namerind Housing Corporation CEO.
Each unit will contain between one and three bedrooms and could house upwards of 168 residents.
Wallace Insights Inc. applied for the development, with Namerind deemed as the landowner.
The new spaces will be four “stacked townhouse” style resident buildings.
All the buildings will be three stories, and 11.5 metres in height. The four buildings will include 24 parking lots and outdoor and indoor amenities.
The site of the new development previously accommodated a transportation parking lot, which was deemed appropriate as an interim (temporary) land use until redevelopment occurred.
“It didn’t work, times change. We couldn’t put the funding together; it was too big of a project,” said Byers in response to a question.
The updated development is expected to cost $24 million.
Ward 9 Coun. Jason Mancinelli questioned the density size of the development in downtown.
“With the expansion and fix of 11th Avenue, we invested in high-density pipes and infrastructure.”
“This is more of a suburban neighbourhood density,” he added.
Ward 4 Coun. Mark Burton echoed Mancinelli’s statement as the only one to oppose the motion.
“I don’t believe we’re choosing the right design for the right location.”
Meanwhile, Mayor Chad Bachynski said this development aligns with the city’s goal of more housing downtown and less parking.”
Ward 2 Coun. George Tsiklis echoed his support, saying this project is crucial for downtown.
“[This] is about signalling that Regina’s downtown is open for business, ready for growth and committed to a vibrant, sustainable urban growth.”
This is the first housing development to be granted a permit in downtown Regina since 2016.
The city noted its downtown population has decreased by 36 per cent between 2016 and 2021 since the last census.
In their delegation, the Saskatchewan Realtors Association estimates “$800,000-plus in annual discretionary income flowing through downtown businesses and new tax revenue for the city.”
“This investment strengthens both community vitality and Regina’s fiscal health,” they added.
City administration also noted that filling steep gaps will create a more inviting environment, drawing more people downtown.
As safety downtown is a concern, fencing, lighting and security cameras will be added to the property.
Construction will start in the fall or spring and will take 14 months.
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