Red Tape Hindering Northern Housing Initiatives

Red Tape Hindering Northern Housing Initiatives

Monday, January 10, 2005 at 13:58

A researcher on homelessness in Ile-a-la-Crosse says he would like to see a better coordination of government services for residents there.

Norman Johnson says many couch-surfing citizens in the community are single, and when they appeal to the government for housing, they are turned down in favour of families.

Johnson says this policy is understandable, but frustrates many residents who are unable to find a permanent place to live.

As well, Johnson says many older residents who used to live across the lake are unable to move back due to government stipulations. Specifically, they can’t apply for funding for renovations of these structures under programs offered through CMHC or Sask Housing because both agencies require any renovations to take place on serviced lots.

Johnson says town officials are looking at converting the old Catholic rectory and a few other buildings into serviceable shelters, but that will take time.

Ile-a-la-Crosse mayor Max Morin will attend a government-sponsored conference on homelessness in Regina next week.