Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
June 2013
Many thanks are due to all the government agencies
and community organizations that provided guidance
and information for this publication.
Introduction
This handbook was produced mainly for people looking for afford-
able and entry-level housing in Saskatoon. It contains useful contact
information and highlights programs designed to help low to moder-
ate income people search for affordable places to rent or purchase. It
also outlines the rights and responsibilities of renters and landlords
and provides tools and information to guide them through the rental
process. Throughout the book, weve included phone numbers, websites,
and addresses of places where you can get more help.
The Housing Handbook is meant to be a general guide only and may
not cover all of the possible legal requirements. For example, The
Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, applies to most rental units in
Saskatchewan. However, the act specifically excludes special care
homes, university residences, and business premises with attached
living space rented under a single lease. There are also some differ-
ences between the regulations for apartment buildings and those for
houses. If you have questions about regulations that apply to your
rental situation, you should contact the Office of Residential
Tenancies (see page 33).
The City of Saskatoon works with housing providers, other levels of
government, and stakeholders in the community to increase the
supply of affordable and entry-level housing.
i
Contents
Definitions: Affordable and Entry-Level
Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
What is Affordable Housing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
What is Entry-Level Housing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Affordable/Entry-Level Homeownership . . . . . 5
Average House Prices in Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
How Much Can I Afford to Borrow? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Online Mortgage Calculators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Monthly Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
One-Time Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Genworth Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Affordable Home Ownership Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Entry-Level Home Ownership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Getting Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
City of Saskatoon Bylaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No . 7990 . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Property Maintenance and Nuisance
Abatement (2003) Bylaw No . 8175 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Rental Income Supplement Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Preventing Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Safer Communities & Neighbourhoods (SCAN) . . . . . . 60
Crime Free Multi-Housing Promoting Safe Apartment
Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Assistance for Home Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) . . . . . . . . 63
Condominium Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Saskatoon Community Plan for
Housing & Homelessness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
1
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
?
What is Affordable Housing?
Affordable Housing refers to housing that is available at below mar-
ket prices, usually because of a subsidy from government, a charita-
ble organization or private homebuilder. Affordable housing projects
must have a process in place to verify incomes to ensure that afford-
able housing is available to those who qualify.
In Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC)
monitors housing affordability. Based on information it collects,
SHC sets income limits to determine which households are eligible
to apply for subsidized affordable housing. These income maximums
are reviewed regularly.
For more information on current income limits for affordable rental
housing please contact the specific housing providers listed begin-
ning on page 21 of the handbook or contact the Saskatchewan
Housing Corporation at 1-800-667-7567.
For more information on income limits for affordable ownership
housing please contact the City of Saskatoon at 306-975-3340.
2
What is Entry-Level Housing?
Entry-Level homes may be rental or ownership and are targeted at
households with incomes above the limits for affordable housing.
Entry-Level homes are modest in size with basic amenities and are
available at price points near the lower end of the market. Typically,
entry-level housing is attainable for young families, newcomers to
Canada and individuals who are beginning their careers.
Most rental units are aimed at the entry-level market. Entry-Level
ownership units are typically found on the resale market or in entry-
level townhouse developments.
3
Affordable/Entry-Level
Homeownership
5
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
6
Online Mortgage Calculators
Most financial institutions provide mortgage calculators online that
will allow you to calculate how much you can afford to borrow at
current interest rates. Check your banks website.
Monthly Expenses
Monthly Expenses Cost
Mortgage Payments (principal and interest) $
Property Taxes $
Utilities $
Condominium Fees $
Property Insurance $
Repairs and Maintenance $
Total $
One-Time Expenses
Additional Expenses Cost
Deposit $
Down Payment $
Mortgage Loan Insurance $
Appraisal $
Home Inspection $
Legal Fees and Land Registration $
Survey Certificate $
Property Taxes $
Property Insurance $
Other Expenses $
Total $
7
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
8
Canada Mortgage
& Housing Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is Canadas
national housing agency. CMHC has been at the heart of housing for
more than 65 years, assisting Canadians in need and helping to make
housing markets efficient and sustainable.
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you
will make. CMHC offers a number of online tools and publications that
can help you on your path to home ownership. CMHCs easy to use
online calculators help you assess your financial situation, determine how
much house you can afford and establish the maximum price that you
should be considering.
CMHCs Homebuying Step by Step guide leads you through the home
buying process in five simple steps. This hands-on workbook, which is
available at cmhc.ca provides examples and worksheets to show you how
to assess your current financial situation, determine the costs involved
with purchasing a home, determine the type of home you are looking for
and find out which professionals can help you along the way. You will
also find practical tips on home maintenance, repairs, and renovations.
Condominium living is popular for many Canadians because it can be a
relatively carefree and affordable housing option. CMHCs Condominium
Buyers Guide identifies important questions to ask to help make
informed decisions and ultimately become an informed condominium
purchaser. It provides a glossary of terms as well as information and
checklists on condominium types, rules and regulations as well as other
information sources.
To help new Canadians make informed housing-related decisions and
find safe, affordable homes for their families, CMHC offers a multi-
language one-stop online source for housing-related information. A
wealth of information is available for newcomers in eight of the most
common languages, this includes both of Canadas official languages
English and French as well as in Mandarin/Simplified Chinese, Arabic,
Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog and Urdu. Products featured on the site
include Buying Your First Home in Canada, Renting Your First Home in
Canada, the Homebuyers Checklist as well as videos on buying, renting
and renovating a home and related fact sheets. All publications at
www.cmhc.ca/newcomers can be downloaded for FREE.
For more information and access to many other publications, please visit
CMHCs website at www.cmhc.ca, or call directly at 1-877-499-7245.
9
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
10
Affordable Home Ownership Programs
12
A Guide For
Renters & Landlords
13
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
14
Average Monthly Rent by Area*
15
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
16
What to Look For
It is important to consider the affordability and condition of a place.
A good home should be safe, comfortable, and affordable. Check out
the inside and the outside of the property. If you see problems, ask
the landlord to look after them before you move in. Be sure to know
your own rights and the responsibilities of your landlord before you
rent.
Be sure to consider the size, price, condition, location, parking, bus
routes, laundry services, schools, groceries, and other services. This
will help you decide whether the place will suit your needs.
Smoke detector.
Lights and switches.
Appliances.
Toilets and sinks: Do they leak or drip?
Doors and windows: Do they close and lock properly? Are there
windows in the bedrooms? Are windows of adequate size?
Stairs and handrails: Are they in good shape?
Also check:
Walls and ceilings: Are there cracks?
Is the home clean?
Outside: Is the yard clean and safe? Is there a garbage container
with a cover?
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
If you decide to rent with another person, remember that you are
responsible for all the rent if the other person does not pay his or her
share. You are also responsible for any damage caused by the other
person and by guests.
18
Illegal Suites
Some rental units, such as certain basement suites, do not meet
building codes or the City of Saskatoons regulations on secondary
suites and are considered illegal. Such suites are constructed without
obtaining the necessary permits and do not conform to the Citys
Zoning Bylaw. They also may not conform to building codes or fire
and safety regulations. Since the Citys Building Standards Branch
and the Planning and Development Branch have not inspected or
approved these suites, tenants of illegal suites may face increased risk
to their health and safety from fire and other hazards. In addition,
if the City of Saskatoon learns of an illegal suite because of a com-
plaint, the owner may be required to either make it legal or remove
it, forcing the tenant to leave or put up with construction.
If you find yourself living in an illegal suite, you still have all the
rights afforded to tenants. Illegal suites are covered by The Residential
Tenancies Act, 2006, and you are protected by this provincial law just
as you are in any other type of rental accommodation. However, it is
in your best interest to make sure the rental suite you are considering
is legal before signing a rental agreement.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Application Forms
The landlord may ask you to fill out an application form to show who
will be living at the property or to verify employment or references.
Fill out the application form as well as you can.
Application forms help landlords choose tenants when more than one
person is interested in the property. However, the landlord cannot
discriminate because of your religion or creed, marital status, family
status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, colour, ancestry, nation-
ality, place of origin, race or perceived race, or the fact you get public
assistance.
20
Affordable and Supportive Rental
Accommodation
Emergency Housing
Emergency Housing (shelters) is available on a short term basis for those
with an immediate need for shelter.
21
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
22
628318 Sask Ltd. 306-653-2409
Clients served: families with mobility disabilities
23
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
24
Stewart Property Holdings 306-251-0254
www.stewartproperties.ca
email: tyler@stewartproperties.ca
Clients served: individuals, couples and families
Juniper 306-382-2222
www.juniperhousing.com
email: information@juniperhousing.com
Clients served: seniors and newcomers to Canada without children
25
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
26
LutherCare Communities 306-664-0300
www.luthercare.com
Clients served: supported independent housing for seniors
27
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
28
Maximum Rates for Saskatoon (October 1, 2012)
Includes neighbouring communities: Allan, Asquith, Bradwell,
Clavet, Colonsay, Dalmeny, Delisle, Dundurn, Elstow,
Langham, Martensville, Meacham, Osler, Shields, Thode,
Vanscoy, and Warman.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
30
The Rental Agreement
If you decide that the living space suits your needs and your budget,
and you have been approved in the application process, then you
may enter into a rental agreement with the landlord.
A rental agreement outlines all conditions for the rental of the
property. A rental agreement can be written or verbal. Any agree-
ment or understanding that The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006,
does not apply is void. It is recommended that you obtain a writ-
ten rental agreement so that you have proof of what you and your
landlord agreed to. If it is written, the landlord must give you a
signed copy within 20 days. Even if the agreement is not written,
it is a legal contract. Be sure you understand all parts of the rental
agreement.
To create a fixed-term tenancy of three months or longer, the
landlord and tenant must enter into a written tenancy agreement
(lease). This agreement must specify the date the tenancy is to end
or it will be viewed as a month-to-month tenancy.
If the rental agreement is on a month-to-month basis, you pay rent
on a monthly basis, and you must give one full calendar months
notice before moving out. A one months notice to terminate a
tenancy should be served no later than the last day of the month in
order to be effective on the last day of the following month.
If the rental agreement is a fixed-term lease, you must rent the
property for a certain period, usually six months or more. If you
move out before the lease is over, you must pay the rent for the rest
of that period. With the landlords permission you may sublet the
property and have someone else live in it and rent the place for
you until the end of the agreement. Before subletting, contact the
Office of Residential Tenancies to understand your responsibilities.
A fixed-term lease can also be terminated if both the landlord and
tenant agree, but this agreement should be in writing.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Renters Rights
Live in a home that is safe.
Not to be disturbed or harassed by landlord.
Have repairs fixed within a reasonable time.
Have building insured by landlord.
Have common areas like hallways, entrances, and laundry area
clean and well lit.
Have damage/security deposit returned within seven business
days of moving out.
Receive a signed copy of rental agreement.
Receive a signed copy of the completed Condition of Premises
Checklist when moving in and moving out.
Receive receipts for rent and damage/security deposit.
Renters Responsibilities
Pay rent on time.
Pay utility bills on time.
Keep property clean.
Have insurance for personal property (if required by the lease).
Be considerate of neighbours (for example: keep general noise and
traffic noise down, keep yard tidy and free of garbage, supervise
children).
Do not conduct illegal or harmful activities.
Do not give out key or security system password.
Have someone responsible look after your home when you are away.
Repair any damage caused by you or your guests (renter is not
responsible for ordinary wear and tear).
32
Landlords Rights
Receive rent on time.
Receive appropriate Notice to Vacate.
Have property clean and well kept.
Receive prompt notice of repairs needed.
Have damage caused by renters or guests repaired by the renter
(landlord must expect ordinary wear and tear).
Landlords Responsibilities
Have place clean and in good condition at move-in.
Maintain all appliances or services included in the rent (may
include: heat, water, electricity, laundry, fridge, and stove).
Make repairs promptly after notification.
Maintain common areas such as hallways, entryways, and outside
of building.
Return security deposit or serve tenant with a notice of claim to the
security deposit within seven business days of the tenancy end.
Insure the building.
Respect the privacy of the renter.
Make sure the place is safe and fit to live in.
Give tenant signed copy of rental agreement.
Give tenant receipts for rent and damage/security deposit.
Provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
34
directly at 306-653-7149 or SRHIA@sasktel.net to confirm whether
their landlord is a member. In the case of mobile homes, a landlord
must give at least six months notice of a rent increase.
Any notice that is not served in time takes effect on the next
possible date. If proper notice is not given, the tenant can refuse
to pay the amount of the increase until the appropriate amount of
notice has elapsed. The Office of Residential Tenancies can order
any excess rent be returned to the tenant. The rent increase
provisions in the Act do not apply to public housing authorities or
non-profit corporations.
If a landlord intends to charge more for additional occupants, they
must specify the amount rent will vary in the tenancy agreement.
When a landlord provides any services, fixtures or appliances with
the rental unit, they may not later impose a charge or increase the
charge for these things or take them away. For example a landlord
cannot...
increase charges for a parking stall
take away rented space, such as the basement, a garage or yard
increase utility charges
increase charges for laundry facilities or remove or reduce
laundry facilities
The landlord can increase charges or reduce or discontinue services
or facilities with the agreement of the tenant or if the Office of
Residential Tenancies orders that they may do so.
The Saskatchewan Rental Housing Industry Association (SRHIA)
provides the Tenant Assistance Process (TAP), a program to assist
tenants facing significant rent increases. A panel can review the
rent increase and try to mediate a more agreeable rent or assist the
tenant to find affordable housing options. Tenants may also consider
contacting their local housing authority to learn about eligibility
and availability of subsidized housing.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
36
Renters copy
37
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Date keys
released / returned
Renters signature
Landlords
signature
Forwarding
address
38
Landlords copy
39
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Date keys
released / returned
Renters signature
Landlords
signature
Forwarding
address
40
Ending the Rental Agreement
Vacate Notices
A proper vacate notice must be in writing. It includes the date, name,
and address of both the landlord and the renter, as well as a clear
statement of intention. Notices must be signed.
According to The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, any notice to
vacate or to end a tenancy must substantially comply with the forms
prescribed by The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006. Samples of the
required forms can be found on pages 4650, but it is recommended
that you contact the Office of Residential Tenancies for the most up-
to-date forms and information on which form to use in your situation.
Dont forget to keep a copy of any form you give to your landlord/
tenant!
When you are the renter and you want to move out, you must follow
these guidelines:
You must give one full calendar months notice. For example, if
you want to move out June 30, you must give written notice no
later than May 31.
If you have signed a fixed-term lease, you are locked into the lease
agreement unless you and the landlord can negotiate a different
agreement.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Eviction
A landlord can evict a tenant (ask the tenant to move out immedi-
ately) if the tenant is more than 15 days in arrears on rent or utilities.
The landlord can serve one calendar months notice to terminate the
tenancy for a number of reasons, including the following:
The security deposit remains unpaid for more than 30 days.
The tenant is repeatedly late paying rent.
An unreasonable number of occupants are living in the rental
unit.
The tenant and guests disturbed or jeopardized the health or safety
of others living around them or the landlord.
The tenant fails to repair the rental unit after being given notice
and reasonable time to complete the repair (in such cases, the
landlord must first warn the tenant about the problem and give
the tenant an opportunity to remedy the problem if it is capable of
being remedied).
The residential property is sold and the purchaser intends to move
in.
The landlord decides to make major repairs.
The landlord decides to tear down the residential property.
In extremely serious cases, a landlord can evict a tenant immediately
without any warnings or notice if the conduct complained of is so
serious it would be considered unreasonable to wait. The landlord
must apply directly to the Office of Residential Tenancies for an
Order and Writ for Possession of the rental unit in such circum-
stances. Tenants can also be evicted immediately if the property is
viewed to be extremely unsafe by the Fire and Protective Services
Department.
42
If the tenant refuses to move in accordance with an Order and Writ
for Possession, the sheriff can be asked to remove the tenant. The
landlord cannot throw the tenant or the tenants possessions out on
the street, change the locks to the unit, or hold the tenants
possessions until rent or damages are paid.
Tenants have rights under The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, The
Saskatchewan Human Rights Code, and health, fire, and safety
regulations.
Tenants CANNOT be evicted for attempting to act upon legal
rights or for reporting health or safety concerns.
44
Security Deposit Guarantees
by the Ministry of Social Services
When a security deposit guarantee by the Ministry of Social Services
has been issued in lieu of a cash deposit, the landlord must submit
a Form 14 - Notice of Claim for Social Services Guarantee to the
Office of Residential Tenancies within seven (7) business days of the
date the tenancy was terminated. If the tenants dispute the claim, a
hearing will be arranged. If the tenants do not dispute the claim, the
Ministry of Social Services will pay out the guarantee to the landlord.
Tenants can dispute the claim within 120 days from the date the
tenancy was terminated.
Sample Forms
On the following pages, you will find samples of the following forms:
Form 6: Notice to Landlord to Terminate the Tenancy.
Form 7: Immediate Notice to Vacate.
Form 8: Notice to Vacate.
Form 8(b): Notice to Vacate.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
46
47
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
48
Form 8 (b)
The Residential Tenancies Act, 2006
(Section 60)
NOTICE TO VACATE
To
of
I hereby give you notice to deliver up possession of the above described premises that you hold
of me as tenant, on the day of , 20 OR on the last day of
the period of your tenancy next following the giving of this notice.
The reason for giving this notice is as follows: (check off applicable)
A landlord who is an individual may end a periodic tenancy respecting a rental unit if the
landlord or a close family member or friend of the landlord intends in good faith to
occupy the rental unit.
A landlord that is a family corporation may end a periodic tenancy respecting a rental unit
if an individual owning voting shares in the corporation, or a close family member or
friend of that individual, intends in good faith to occupy the rental unit.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
A landlord may end a periodic tenancy respecting a rental unit if the landlord has all the
necessary permits and approvals required by law, and intends in good faith, to do any of
the following:
a) demolish the rental unit;
b) renovate or repair the rental unit in a manner that requires the rental unit to be vacant;
c) convert the residential property to condominiums pursuant to The Condominium
Property Act, 1993;
d) convert the residential property into a continuing housing co-operative as defined in
The Co-operatives Act, 1996;
e) convert the rental unit for use by a caretaker, manager or superintendent of the
residential property;
f) convert the rental unit to a non-residential use.
8 (b) notice.
"If a Tenant disagrees with the Notice to Vacate, they must provide written notice to the landlord disputing the notice
within 15 days of receipt of the Notice to Vacate or they are deemed to have accepted that the tenancy ends. A tenant
may also agree to the termination and end the tenancy earlier on 10 days' written notice. A tenant can seek compen-
sation if they move and the landlord does not proceed as stated"
DISPUTE NOTICE TO LANDLORDS CLAIM TO END TENANCY
The landlord must apply for a hearing to the Office of Residential Tenancies for a hearing to resolve the dispute
Date:
Tenants Signature:
50
Health & Safety Standards
It is the landlords responsibility to ensure that the rental property is
safe and free of health hazards:
Heating, plumbing, and electrical systems must work and be
safe to use.
Walls must be intact.
Windows, screens, and doors must work properly.
Pests must be under control.
Batteries in smoke detectors must be changed at least once a year.
(Some types of rental units, such as secondary suites, are required
to have hardwired smoke detectors.)
When looking for a place to rent, always check for home and fire
safety. If there are bedrooms on the second floor or in the basement,
be sure that there is a fire escape from those rooms.
Locks on your doors cannot be changed unless both the renter
and the landlord agree. You can ask the landlord to change the locks
when you move in.
It can be difficult to identify household pests until you live in a
place for awhile. Read the following pages for a description of com-
mon pests so you can recognize them. You may capture one of the
pests in a sealed container and take it to Public Health Services for
identification.
Record the condition of the premises in the Condition of Prem-
ises Checklist included in this handbook (see page 3740), even if
the landlord promises to fix the problem.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
52
Pest Control
The best way to control pests is to keep your house clean. Pests are
looking for food, water, and shelter.
Points to remember
Do not leave uncovered food on the table or counters.
Store dry food in containers that seal tightly.
Keep your garbage bin covered; empty the garbage bin when its
full.
Clean up crumbs, spills, and grease.
Vacuum and dust regularly.
Repair cracks and holes in walls or windows to keep pests from
getting in.
If pests were in the house before you moved in, it may be difficult to
get rid of them. Insect sprays can be dangerous to your health. Also,
these sprays only kill pests you can see. Instead of using sprays, ask
your landlord to hire a professional exterminator.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
54
Cockroaches are pale brown to black with
oval, flat bodies. They like crumbs and food,
and they spread germs with their feet. They
leave a musty smell and taste to food they
have touched.
55
i
Getting Help
57
City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
i
City of Saskatoon Bylaws
Fire and Protective Services Bylaw No. 7990
The Fire Department, under the Fire and Protective Services Bylaw
No. 7990, performs annual inspections of certain buildings, struc-
tures, and properties for fire and life safety. To be eligible for these
annual inspections the buildings must be categorized as Assembly,
Institutional, and Residential (four dwelling units or greater) accord-
ing to the National Building Code of Canada. The Department
also conducts annual and bi-annual inspections on all commercial,
mercantile, and industrial buildings, structures, and properties.
58
No person shall cause or permit a building or structure to dete-
riorate into a ruinous or dilapidated state or become a danger to
public safety.
No person shall cause or permit occupancy or use of any property
that does not conform to minimum standards.
Property must not constitute a nuisance or shelter for rodents,
vermin, or insects.
Walkways, driveways, and parking spaces must be maintained and
provide safe passage.
A sufficient number of waste receptacles must be provided.
Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services regularly receives complaints
about property and living conditions, fire and life safety concerns in
dwelling units and rental properties, including multi-unit or apart-
ment complexes. As required by the Property Maintenance and
Nuisance Abatement Bylaw, a Fire Inspector will investigate the
complaint and, if a problem is found, order it corrected.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
i
Preventing Crime
Safer Communities &
Neighbourhoods (SCAN)
i
Assistance for Home Repairs
62
Saskatoon Housing Initiatives
Partnership (SHIP)
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
i
Condominium Conversions
With the strength of the real estate market in Saskatoon, the city
has experienced a relatively high number of condominium conver-
sions in recent years. This section will answer some of your questions
about condominium conversions: What are they? How can you be
affected? What can you do if your apartment owner proposes to
convert it into a condo?
In Saskatoon, condominium conversions are regulated by City of
Saskatoon Council Policy C09-004 (Condominium Approvals).
Provincially, condominiums are governed by The Condominium Prop-
erty Act, 1993. A condominium conversion must comply with both
of these documents.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
i
What can you do if the rental unit you are living in is
proposed to be converted into a condo?
Report infractions
If your landlord or the developer of a proposed condominium con-
version has not complied with the City of Saskatoons policy on
condominium conversions and/or Provincial condominium
conversion regulations, you should notify the City of Saskatoon,
Planning and Development Branch.
66
Saskatoon Community Plan for
Housing and Homelessness
The 2011 2014 Saskatoon Community Plan for Housing and
Homelessness Plan is a comprehensive housing report derived from
consultations with housing providers and stakeholders in Saskatoon.
The purpose of the report is to build upon research conducted in 2007
identifying baselines and priorities for addressing the problems of
people who find themselves homeless in Saskatoon, those who are at
risk of losing their homes and the needs for affordable housing.
The report illustrates the main issues facing Saskatoon in terms of
housing and homelessness gathered through the consultation process.
The report also details the complexity of homelessness and inves-
tigates who is homeless in Saskatoon, routes to homelessness, costs
of homelessness and the community needs as gathered through the
public consultations. The priorities for addressing homelessness and
affordable housing are presented in this report as well as the indicators
from which we can measure, in the future, our success in achieving
these priorities.
Based on the public consultations and literature review a number of
priorities around homelessness have been set for the community of
Saskatoon. They are as follows:
Address the gap in meeting the housing needs of individuals and/
or families with complex behaviours or requirements for those who
are homelessness.
Increase the number of appropriate transitional housing units
with ongoing supports for homeless or at risk of homelessness indi-
viduals and families.
Enhance coordination of information among agencies and
support initiatives that improve communication around the
homeless issue and the services available for the homeless or
individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
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Implement elements of the Housing First Concept in Saskatoon.
Conduct research that better meets the needs of policy decision
makers and those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Housing projects that address any of the above priorities may receive
funding support from the Federal Governments Homelessness Part-
nering Strategy (HPS). For more information about HPS and the
Community Plan, please call 306-979-6707.
The Community Plan for Homelessness and Housing is available
on the Citys website: www.saskatoon.ca/go/housing and look under
resources and forms.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
Aboriginal
Central Urban Mtis Federation, Inc. 306-975-9999
315 Avenue M South
www.cumfi.org
email: info@cumfi.org
CUMFI offers programs and services to assist urban Aboriginal people in
Saskatoon, including programs in economic development, justice, educa-
tion, housing, sport, culture, and recreation programming.
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Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC)
Complaints / Justice
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Saskatchewan Legal Aid Commission 306-933-5300
502 201 21st Street East 1-800-667-3764 (toll-free)
www.legalaid.sk.ca
This commission promotes justice by providing legal services to eligible
low income individuals.
Crisis / Emergency
Emergency Housing (shelters) is available on a short term basis for those
with an immediate need for shelter. See page 21.
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Education
School Boards
Public 306-683-8200
310 21st Street East
www.spsd.sk.ca
Catholic 306-659-7000
420 22nd Street East
www.scs.sk.ca
Employment
CanSask Career and Employment Services 306-933-6281
225 1st Avenue North
www.sasknetwork.ca
www.saskjobs.ca
email sasknetwork@gov.sk.ca
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Egadz Downtown Youth Centre 306-931-6644
485 1st Avenue North
www.egadz.ca
Egadz offers a variety of formal and informal programs to assist at risk youth.
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78
Newcomer/ Refugee
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 306-975-4900
1-877-499-7245 (toll free)
www.globalgatheringplace.com
email info@globalgatheringplace.com
Offers a variety of programs and services to newcomers and refugees in
Saskatoon.
www.saskatoon.ca/go/immigration
email immigration@saskatoon.ca
This City of Saskatoon office provides information and referrals for support
services and community resources to newcomers and refugees.
www.internationalwomenofsaskatoon.org
email iwssaskatoon@sasktel.net
Offers a variety of programs and services to newcomers and refugees in
Saskatoon.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
www.saskintercultural.org
email intercultural@sasktel.net
Saskatchewan Intercultural Association Inc. offers programs and services in
the areas of employment, equity and anti-racism, multilingual education,
and performing arts in Saskatchewan.
www.sods.sk.ca
email skopendoor@sods.sk.ca
Offers a variety of programs and services to newcomers and refugees
in Saskatoon.
Seniors
Home Care, Saskatoon Health Region 306-655-4300
201 310 Idylwyld Drive North
www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Home Care provides supportive, rehabilitative, and palliative services that
promote independence, maintain dignity, and enhance quality of life.
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Saskatoon Council on Aging 306-652-2255
2020 College Drive
www.scoa.ca
email admin@scoa.ca
The SCOA promotes the dignity, health, and independence of older adults
by operating a Resource Walk-in Centre to enhance quality of life and by
working with local agencies to initiate, implement, and evaluate projects
useful to older adults in the community.
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
82
McLeod House 306-665-0425
4 101 Avenue T South
McLeod House is a transitional home for men with addictions. It offers
support services and programs and is a drug and alcohol free environment.
Mental Health Services provides short and long term treatment programs,
skills training, and therapy groups for special needs.
Social Services
160 2nd Avenue South
Employment and Income Assistance 306-933-5960
www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/income-assistance
Early Learning and Child Care 306-933-6071
www.education.gov.sk.ca/ELCC-Program
General Inquiries 1-866-221-5200
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City of Saskatoon Housing Handbook
YMCA 306-652-7515
25 22 Street East
nd
www.ymcasaskatoon.org
email ymca@ymcasaskatoon.org
The YMCA provides numerous programs, including recreation and support
programs, stay-in-school programs, and employment skills training for youth.
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Utility Connections
& Disconnections
ExpressAddress
ExpressAddress is an online tool that lets you notify multiple
organizations about your move at the same time. On the website, you
can quickly and easily sign up for, transfer, or disconnect multiple
utilities and services in Saskatchewan, such as telephone, water and
sewer, natural gas, cable TV, electricity, etc., as well as update your
address for everything from your drivers licence and health cards to
pet licences.
Gas connection
SaskEnergy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-567-8899
Electrical connection
City of Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306-975-2400
SaskPower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-757-6937
Telephone connection
SaskTel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-727-5835
Shaw Telephone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-472-2222
Water connection
City of Saskatoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306-975-2400
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Notes:
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City of Saskatoon
Contacts
City Hall
222 3rd Ave North
Saskatoon SK S7K 0J5
Government of Saskatchewan
Contacts
Office of Rental Tenancies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-215-2222
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods . . . . . . . 306-933-8373
Planning & Development Branch
222 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, SK S7K 0J5
Tel: 306-975-3340
Fax: 306-975-3185
www.saskatoon.ca