Critics call new seniors housing policy in Sask. ‘discriminatory’

Some Regina seniors are facing relocation under a new policy, but advocacy groups call it age discrimination and demand change. Wayne Mantyka reports.

Some long-time residents of a Regina public housing complex say they are being forced to move out under a new provincial policy targeting seniors.

The government is asking certain tenants to relocate to buildings designated for people aged 55 and older, in an effort to free up units for families.

In a statement to CTV News, the province said the policy is applied through housing authorities across Saskatchewan based on local demand.

Officials said the Regina Housing Authority is currently seeing high demand for one-bedroom family or single units that are not designated for seniors. To better meet community needs, individuals who qualify for senior social housing may be asked to relocate to designated seniors units.

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Advocates for seniors say the move is concerning.

Linda Anderson of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism questioned the decision.

“Why would we expect individuals who have lived peacefully within all of the regulations of the housing for 30 years and are comfortable there, know their community, why should they be the ones to pay the price that there aren’t enough family units for families?” she said.

Deb Stumph, one of the affected tenants, said she received notice from Regina Housing after living in her unit for three decades. She has been told to move out by May 31.

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“That, to me, is discrimination against us seniors.”

The Opposition NDP is also calling on the province to reverse the policy.

“If you need more housing, figure it out. You’re the government,” said NDP MLA Joan Pratchler. “You want to be known as the government who kicked a grandma out of her housing after being there for 30 years? No.”

There are exemptions that allow housing providers to designate properties for those aged 55 and older, but it is unclear whether those rules apply in reverse.

Advocates say requiring existing tenants to move once they reach that age could be subject to appeal.