Ground broken for new YWCA centre to serve women and families

More than 150 people were out under the bright sunshine Tuesday afternoon for the sod turning that kicked off the construction of the Regina YWCA’s new centre for women and families on Retallack Street.

Federal Housing Minister Ahmed Hussen, who was in attendance, said he’d never seen so many people at an affordable housing event.

The ceremony seemed to come as a bit of a relief for YWCA CEO Melissa Coomber-Bendtsen. She said she originally thought she’d have to hold the event all alone.

“I think I threatened that a couple times to some elected officials that I’d do that if this day didn’t come,” Coomber-Bendtsen said. “So I will say I’m relieved that I’m not out here with a shovel by myself.”

Coomber-Bendtsen said when people are at the base of something, and when you do consultations in the right way, good things come as a result.

“I’m forever grateful that we’re here today gathering together and that there’s more than just one shovel in the ground,” said Coomber-Bendtsen.

The new facility will help women and children who are trying to get away from domestic violence, as well as those who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. It will including 40 shelter beds, 68 transitional housing units, and drop-in crisis and prevention supports delivered through a hub model.

“This will, hopefully, be a shining example of how you can prevent people from falling into homelessness (or) a violent situation,” explained Coomber-Bendtsen.

The new centre will include Indigenous ways of knowing, being and healing, according to Coomber-Bendtsen.

“When folks are in that space, they have their culture and access to culture as part of that,” she said.

Coomber-Bendtsen said the 85,000 square foot space will expand the organization’s ability to bring the community into what they’re doing.

“We know that when women and children are in crisis, the sense of hope that comes from being part of a strong and vibrant community is so vitally important,” she said.

It wasn’t just the YWCA itself involved in the development of the project. Coomber-Bendtsen said the clients themselves have been part of the process from the very beginning, and they’re ecstatic that it’s gotten so far.

“I think that their influence over it and input into what it is today and what you see today is something that they’re very proud of,” she said.

“They are over-the-moon excited about being part of something different,” she said.

The new facility is projected to cost about $60 million.

On Tuesday, Hussen announced funding of $33.9 million from the federal government will go to the project through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund. He said the centre will be a place for people to feel safe and have the opportunity to restart their lives.

“The new YWCA centre for women and families will be a safe harbour, a safe place of refuge and safety for those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Hussen.

The provincial government is also contributing $1 million through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and the City of Regina is providing the land, which was valued at $2 million.

Private and corporate donors have contributed $14 million, and a fundraising campaign expected to start later this year will aim to raise the remaining $6 million.

The building is expected to open in the fall of 2024.