YORKTON – More than $5.6 million in combined federal funding will help repair 50 affordable housing units in Yorkton and support 10 homes in Yellow Quill First Nation.
The announcement was made Oct. 16 by federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson alongside Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle and Yorkton Parkland Housing Society chairperson Sharon Green.
The funding includes $1.9 million through the Affordable Housing Fund for renovations to 50 rental units owned and operated by the Yorkton Parkland Housing Society. The repairs are expected to be completed by 2028.
Another $2.5 million was provided through the Rapid Housing Initiative to support a 10-home project on Yellow Quill First Nation. The homes were completed in 2024 and are already occupied by residents. The project also received $1 million from Indigenous Services Canada and $85,000 in equity from Yellow Quill First Nation.
Robertson said the federal government is increasing investments to address housing shortages and affordability challenges across the country.
"Housing and infrastructure are really at the heart of that," he said. "Those are investments that pay dividends on every level, whether it's for our economy or looking after our people for generations to come."
He said the Yorkton funding is part of a broader effort to build and preserve affordable housing while supporting community infrastructure.
Green welcomed the funding, saying it will help the housing society continue its work providing safe and affordable homes.
"The struggle is real," she said. "Yorkton Parkland Housing Society has struggled to provide safe, healthy homes for our families in the Yorkton area."
She said homelessness remains a significant issue both locally and nationally, and affordable rental housing is critical for families and vulnerable residents.
Kienle said the announcement addresses two key housing priorities: maintaining existing affordable housing stock and increasing housing options in the region.
"We know we need more of it, we need different types of housing, and we need to be able to make sure the housing we already have remains safe, secure and available to the people who depend on it," he said.
The mayor also linked the announcement to recently announced upgrades to Yorkton's wastewater treatment system, saying housing development and infrastructure investment must go hand in hand to support future growth.
Robertson said affordable housing needs remain high across Canada, pointing to rising homelessness and years of insufficient federal investment in the housing sector.
He said Ottawa is expanding partnerships with municipalities, provinces and housing providers to increase the supply of affordable homes while preserving existing units.
The projects announced in Yorkton and Yellow Quill First Nation are expected to support housing for families, seniors, people with disabilities and other residents in need of affordable accommodation.
