Seniors living at a Regina apartment complex gathered at the Saskatchewan legislature Thursday to raise concerns about rent increases they say could make their homes unaffordable. The seniors live in apartments at The Williston in Harbour Landing. They say they’ve received notice of rent increases of up to 24 per cent over the next 18 months. That has some worrying they could be forced to leave their homes. “It will be up to $3,600 a month. It’s just too much,” said The Williston resident Heather Schnare. “Imagine being told you could no longer afford your home, you got to go find a new place to live, you got to go pack your belongings, leave your friends. It was devastating for these people,” added The Williston resident Garth Risconi. Housing advocates say seniors living on fixed incomes are particularly vulnerable to rising rents. “We’ve seen a 26 per cent increase across the board in Saskatchewan over the last three years. That is by far the largest rent increase in the country,” said Peter Gilmer with Regina Anti-Poverty Ministry. The Saskatchewan NDP believe government rent control is the answer. “We stand here today with residents of The Williston, who are experiencing the direct consequences of this lack of protection,” said NDP MLA April Chief Calf. In a written statement the provincial government said “rent controls drive away investment, defer maintenance and tighten supply, leaving those who need housing the most with the fewest options.” In a statement to CTV News, The Williston says “the planned adjustments affect approximately 10 per cent of our residents, and they are being introduced gradually over approximately 18 months, rather than through a single increase.” “For residents affected by the full schedule, the average increase is less than 12 per cent over the implementation period, with six months’ notice before the first adjustment takes effect,” the statement added. The Williston says the rent increases will also mean residents receive an expanded package of services.
