Guide to Affordable Housing
Information for Buyers & Renters
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
CMHC provides mortgage loan flexibilities for buyers purchasing units in approved affordable housing development projects. These flexibilities include longer mortgages to allow smaller monthly payments, and assist homebuyers by allowing a broader range of down payment options, such as: sweat equity, grants, borrowed down payments, and rent-to-own payments.
A variety of financial assistance programs are available and made possible by CMHC. Many of these programs are administered by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and include financial assistance for homeowners looking to undertake renovations, adaptations or repairs as well as assistance landlords that manage multi-unit residential properties that are in need of renovations, adaptations or repairs.
For a complete list of the programs and assistance made possible through the efforts of CMHC and administered by the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, refer to the following section. Note that programs change frequently. Please contact the CMHC, SHC, or SHIP for further information.
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation provides funding for a number of ongoing and new housing programs and services for low to moderate-income households, and sometimes landlords, with an identified need. Assistance may be in the form of a forgivable or repayable loan, or may be a grant. Programs include social and affordable rental housing, home renovations, repairs and energy retrofit programs, home adaptations programs, supports to independent living for seniors, and homeownership options.
Rental Programs
Affordable Housing Rentals - Subsidized rental housing for low-to-moderate income families and seniors based on availability and need.
Social Housing Rental Program (SHRP) - Provides suitable, adequate and affordable rental housing for low-income seniors, families, and persons with a disability.
Tenant Relations - Educates social housing tenants about safety, security and crime prevention, and supports the establishment and operation of tenant associations.
Repairs and Renovations Programs for Buyers and Renters
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)* - Provides financial assistance to low-income households to complete repairs required to bring their homes up to minimum health and safety standards.
Conversion Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP)* - Offers financial assistance for repairs necessary to make a home healthier and safer for low-income occupants.
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (RRAP - Disabilities)* - Provides financial assistance to low-income households to complete modifications required to accommodate the needs of a household member with a disability.
Emergency Repair Program (ERP)* - Provides financial assistance to low-income households in rural areas to undertake emergency repairs required to ensure the continued safe occupancy of their homes.
Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence (HASI)* - Provides financial assistance to low-income households to complete modifications requires to accommodate the needs of a senior (age 65+) household member with a disability.
The Secondary Suites Program - Provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners and rental property owners to construct or renovate secondary suites. This helps increase the supply of affordable housing for low-to-moderate income people.
Saskatchewan Assisted Living Services (SALS) - Provides a community-based service option for individuals living in selected socia housing projects and who require a combination of shelter and support to maintain their independence.
Saskatchewan Emergency Repair Program (SERP)* - Provides financial assistance to low-income households located in urban areas to under take emergency repairs required to ensure the continued safe occupancy of their homes.
Saskatchewan Home Adaptations for Independence Program (SHAIP) - Provides financial assistance to low-income households to complete modifications required to accommodate the needs of a household member with a disability.
Saskatchewan Home Energy Improvement Program - Provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners to assist with the cost of energy efficient upgrades to their home.
Repairs and Renovations Programs for Landlords and Shelter Providers
Rental/Roominghouse Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (Rental RRAP)* - Provides financial assistance to landlords to complete repairs required to bring their properties up to minimum health and safety standards .
Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP)* - Provides financial assistance for repairs necessary to bring existing shelters to an acceptable level of health, safety and security for victims of family violence.
Saskatchewan Rental Repair Program (Sask Rental) - Provides financial assistance to landlords to complete repairs required to bring their properties up to minimum health and safety standards.
Saskatchewan Home Energy Improvement Program - Provides financial assistance to landlords to assist with the cost of energy efficient upgrades to their properties.
City of Saskatoon
The City of Saskatoon plays an important role in encouraging and facilitating the creation of housing in Saskatoon. While the City does not build housing, it administers a number of programs designed to assist housing providers to increase the housing supply. The City of Saskatoon's role and action plan in the housing area is described in detail in the Housing Business Plan 2009. To access the City of saskatoon housing portal click here.
Housing Handbook - Contains useful contact information and highlights programs designed to help low to moderate income people search for affordable places to rent or purchase.
Mortgage Flexibility Support Program - Provides a grant equal to five percent down payment towards the purchase of an affordable housing unit for pre-screened low and moderate-income households.
Permit Rebates for Secondary Suites - To encourage the creation of new and the legalizing of existing secondary suites, the city offers permit fees rebates for building, plumbing, and development permits as well as a portion of the legalizing and Existing Suite (LES) Occupancy Permit fee. Homeowners who wish to obtain rebates of permit fees for the construction of a new or the legalization of an existing secondary suit must have a valid building permit or be engaged in the LES process and must apply to the City Planning Branch.
Affordable New Home Development Foundation
The Foundation targets individuals and families with annual household incomes of $52,000 or less. Families and individuals in this income range are often paying rents approximately equivalent to monthly principal and interest payments; however, because of real or perceived barriers, they are not able to purchase a home through the normal channels. The Foundation works with people to help overcome these barriers, leading to the purchase of a new home.
*Offered in Partnerhship with CMHC
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Please contact Stacie Beever, Director of Development Services if you have any questions, or require assistance with pursuing any of the above avenues.
