Regina supportive housing unit construction on track for August occupancy

A supportive housing unit in Regina that was announced in September is well underway as construction is ramping up.

There will be 29 units for people experiencing homelessness or those looking for longer-term housing.

The housing unit is being spearheaded by the Silver Sage Housing Corp., which has been a leader in providing Indigenous people in urban areas with safe and affordable housing.

The modular unit has been brought in and attached to the foundation of the unit located at the corner or Broad Street and Fifth Avenue North.

Alex Miller, the CEO of Big Block Construction, said being a part of a project like this is inspiring.

“You actually get to see communities being developed at full throttle. The amount of collaboration in true partnerships that are being created through a development process like this, it’s really exciting,” he said.

Miller called being involved in the project an amazing learning opportunity and he has savoured the partnerships that have been involved.

He also said he believes a building like this is able to help people in similar situations.

“If you want to build communities, you really have to understand who’s living there and how can we help. That’s the only way to build better communities,” Miller said.

According to Miller, construction is on track for people to start occupying the housing in August.

The unit is being completed under the Rapid Housing Initiative. Miller says rapid housing can cause some fear but it has to be remembered why it’s being done.

“This development will be the home for 29 individuals and families who are experiencing some homelessness and some transitional housing in their lives,” he said. “Until we get it built, we haven’t done our job. How are we supposed to build better communities if we don’t get it built?”

Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services executive liaison co-ordinator Tanya Ritchotte (left) and Natoshia Bastien, the president and CEO of the Silver Sage Housing Corp., unveil the new name of the supportive housing unit in Regina on April 14, 2023. (Lindsay Newman/980 CJME)

Miller also called it imperative to have rapid housing and acceleration for housing units if there is hope to tackle the housing crisis.

During a tour of the homes, Silver Sage and Regina Treaty/Status Indian Services (RT/SIS) announced the name for the building.

The housing project has been called the Home Fire Complex, but that’s not what the building will be called.

Silver Sage and RT/SIS announced it will be called “misatimosimôwin mîhkowâp,” which is Cree for Horse Dance Lodge. The name was selected after a ceremony with Elders.

As for what’s next for the building, Big Block will be finishing the connections on the interior, exterior and pavement. The project received a total of $10 million from all levels of government.