Construction has started on a new 20-unit transitional housing project in Prince Albert. Donna Brooks (CEO YWCA), Sask. Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson and Mayor Bill Powalinsky held the shovels at the sod turning on July 15. (Susan McNeil/paNOW Staff)

By Susan McNeil

New housing units started

20-unit transitional housing a start to PA housing crisis: YWCA

Jul 15, 2025 | 1:31 PM

Another 20 housing units are just about ready to start construction, with equipment and workers already on site at a West Hill lot.

Prince Albert’s YWCA is leading the project that will house women experiencing hardship and said the units are desperately needed.

“If anyone’s been following the housing crisis in this city, you will know that we need housing at every single level,” said CEO Donna Brooks. “We need affordable housing, we need supportive housing, we need market housing. We just need housing period.”

The YWCA also operates a women’s shelter in the city and will be referring women from there and other programs they operate. That will include women and youth at risk of violence, homelessness and young mothers.

The residents will also get support from the YWCA until they are ready to transition to the next level of housing – market housing.

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The federal government and the province kicked in some of the $3.76 million it will cost to build.

In a news release, the province and federal governments said a low-rise apartment will be constructed and hold 10 bachelor units, eight one-bedroom unit, two one-bedroom barrier-free units and a common area for services.

The location is at what is for now a large empty lot immediately adjacent to another apartment building on 18th Street West and 1 Avenue West.

Construction equipment is on site already and the YWCA hopes to have the building ready to move in by early 2027.

Provincial Housing Minister Terry Jensen was at the sod-turning ceremony Tuesday morning and said Saskatchewan’s government is also focused on helping to solve the housing issue.

“Across the province, we remain focused on delivering housing solutions that meet people where they are and direct support where it’s needed most,” he said.

A statement from federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson reiterated the current government’s commitment to delivering housing units quickly, which means working with non-profits to build faster and make the units cheaper.

“These homes being built by YWCA Prince Albert will provide individuals in need of a safe space and peace of mind,” Robertson said. “The federal government is committed to supporting communities across the country in ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home.”

Several months ago, the City of Prince Albert received a final copy of a report it commissioned into the state of the local housing supply and found a serious lack in affordable and market housing.

Mayor Bill Powalinsky said the city needs 1,400 units to solve the problem.

“We know that we need transitional housing and the other forms of housing. We have housing needs all across the gamut,” he said.

What he liked about the transitional housing idea is that it helps stop homelessness before it happens.

“It gets out ahead of the homelessness. It is a measure that helps people maintain family status, integrity, community connection and supports and services. This is very awesome.”

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com

On BlueSky: @susanmcneil.bsky.social