City of Regina answers concerns about proposed affordable housing project in northeast

The City of Regina has informed over 100 residents and interested parties that it will be taking steps to introduce a new affordable housing project in the city's northeast. 

Many of those in attendance at a virtual meeting on Wednesday night were concerned about the project. Many said they were concerned for their personal safety, as well as people in the neighbourhood they perceived as vulnerable.. 

Last July the city was awarded $7.75 million from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to help build 29 affordable housing units. The housing units would be for those transitioning away from homelessness and reintegrating into the community. 

Since then city administration has worked to identify a location that could work for the project in Regina. 

In December it was announced the site would be located at 120 Broad Street, near Imperial Community School and a seniors care home.

A few weeks later, on Dec. 24, Ward 7 Coun. Terina Shaw stated on social media that while she knew about the project's existence, she had no idea the project would be moving into her ward.

On Wednesday, she reiterated that point  and called for better consultation with her going forward about the project.

"I'll be honest, that was a miss on the administration," city manager Chris Holden said during the meeting. 

"We should have included you at a time where you would have had information ahead of the discussion occurring in the community."

The decision to put the affordable housing space at 120 Broad Street was made in early December, the City of Regina's manager for social and cultural development Emmaline Hill told CBC News.

Hill said part of the decision stemmed from the fact the site was already correctly zoned, which saved the city time and allowed for it to find a site for the 29 homes within the federal government's timeline to use the allocated funds.

The site was also chosen, she said, due to its proximity to services and amenities, as well as transit and community resources.

The location was also among over 20 other locations considered by city administration before being settled on, Hill said. 

Coun. Shaw, who attended Wednesday night's meeting, was also particularly concerned about the lack of consultation from city administration before the decision was made to locate the project within her ward.