NDP’s social services critic, Brent Blakley called the vacant properties a failure by the government. He said the homes need to be fixed up so people can move in. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

By CJME

Housing crisis

Over 2,000 public housing units vacant in Sask., NDP slams government response

Jul 9, 2025 | 7:25 PM

Saskatchewan’s housing crisis remains a serious challenge, as thousands of public housing units sit empty while people struggle to find affordable homes across the province.

Speaking at a recent news conference, the NDP’s social services critic, Brent Blakley, revealed that 2,150 Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) units are currently vacant. The figure comes from information obtained through a Freedom of Information request.

The NDP argues these vacant homes could help alleviate multiple crises facing Saskatchewan, from homelessness to rising living costs.

“These homes have the potential to save lives, to get people off the streets, to set them up with supports, to get their life back on track and much more,” Blakley said.

He accused the Saskatchewan Party government of failing to properly maintain and utilize the housing stock while communities struggle with homelessness, mental health issues and affordability challenges.

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“This is a complete failure on the part of the Sask. Party government,” Blakley said.

In Regina alone, Blakley estimates about 440 SHC units sit vacant, even as shelters and support services report increasing pressure.

“I think number one is get these units repaired,” he said. “Let’s get them livable and let’s get people in them.”

The Saskatchewan government has acknowledged that many of the vacant units require significant repairs before they can be rented out again.

As part of the 2025-26 provincial budget, the province announced $9.2 million for repairs and renovations of 285 SHC units in Saskatoon, Regina and Prince Albert.

In addition, the government has committed to an $88.4 million investment aimed at addressing long-standing issues with vacant public housing and improving the overall availability of affordable housing across the province.

A government spokesperson said work is already underway to bring more units back into service, although no firm timeline has been provided for when vacant units might be ready for occupancy.

Despite the budget commitments, critics argue the pace of repairs remains too slow for the scale of the problem. Housing advocates and opposition members warn that continued vacancies could worsen homelessness and put additional pressure on emergency services.

While the province is also promoting measures like tax credits and rebates to help make housing more affordable, many believe the immediate priority should be fixing and reopening vacant public housing units to get people off the streets and into safe, stable homes.