‘Well worth the wait’: New Saskatoon seniors residence officially opens this week

Residents have begun to move into Columbian Village, Saskatoon's latest senior living centre. (Carla Shynkaruk/CTV News)

Saskatchewan continues to suffer from a shortage of affordable housing. However, more than 200 seniors can now breathe a sigh of relief thanks to a new development that caters to those in their golden years.

Elmer Mauthe moved into Columbian Village several months ago, after waiting three years for it to be built.

“I used to live in Candle Lake, and I sold my place there. We were supposed to move in here the next year, but we couldn’t get in for another two years, so we had to rent a place in Saskatoon, but it was well worth the wait,” Mauthe told CTV News.

Columbian Village officially opens this week. It has created 90 apartments and 43 assisted living units.

With rental shortage across the country, that’s something that is vital, according to Mauthe.

“There’s too many seniors and not enough places to go, and that’s what’s the problem,” he said.

This is faith-based housing that relies on fundraising and government support and it’s open to anyone.

“The market’s crazy because of a shortage in the city of Saskatoon and all over the country. We as an organization are supplying a service to a lot of people,” KC. Charities board member Bob Jeanneau explained.

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Medical access is key for seniors which means moving from rural areas to the cities.

“The issue of health care for seniors is that you’re pretty well have to move into the main areas, which is a big, big problem because of them not being able to access health care in their towns and villages,” Norma Denis, Executive Director the KC Charities says.

A recent survey shows that Saskatoon is 22nd most expensive city for rent in the country.

For a one-bedroom suite, Vancouver, Burnaby and Toronto top the list.

Saskatoon and Regina are in the 22 and 23 spots, right behind Edmonton. The survey shows that the median price of a one bedroom is $1,290, while Regina is $1,240.

Rent at Columbian Village is slightly higher at $1,350, but with all the amenities, its worth it, according to those who made the choice.

As for Mauthe, the commitment to not raise rent like many others are seeing across the rental market is reassuring.

“I can see it not going high because it’s under the Knights of Columbus and they’re looking after senior people.”

The waiting list to get into the newly opened building is lengthy already having filled up within a few months when it was first announced in 2022.

KC Charities is planning to build more housing in the coming years.