Response from Jim Elliott:

Housing is one of those fundamentals that should be considered a priority for any city and its elected officials.

I would begin by bringing this issue to the tables of the various organizations, boards and committees that have some place to provide advice and action.  The central zone needs to be the focus of our action.

This strategy would include but not exclusively Regina Downtown, Regina & District Homebuilders Association, the Community Leader’s Advisory Committee and the Regional Sectoral Committee.  My interest would be working to identify, focus and mobilize the supply side of housing for the city.

I would work with the landlords association, the tenants’ advocacy agencies, community associations, zone boards and associated support services agencies to identify barriers to supply of new or renovated housing.  This could include the joint management of tenant/landlord relations and the ongoing upkeep of housing standards in Regina.

I would talk to various organizations and agencies that would or could develop and/or manage more not-for-profit housing in the city.  Some may already be doing it.  Others would need to develop the new skills and capacity to begin.

Throughout, the city administration would be directed to review the current status of every housing strategy to assess effectiveness in expanding housing stock in the city, more specifically the inner city and downtown.  Along with this, they would be asked to identify new options for action to respond to the needs for more affordable rental housing in Regina.

I would also meet personally with other levels of government to assess their plans and opportunities to direct funds to build more affordable rental properties in Regina.

Beyond this, the public would be kept aware of the issue and they would be encouraged to be engaged and provide advice to their councilors on action.