SASKATOON — Minister of Social Services Terry Jenson says the completion of Columbian Village Saskatoon Eastview’s seniors’ residence is about giving back to the seniors who helped build the province. The project was made possible through a partnership between the provincial government and Saskatoon Knights of Columbus Charities Inc.
Saskatoon Â鶹ÊÓƵ MP Kevin Waugh, Saskatchewan NDP MLA Matt Love (Saskatoon Eastview), Mayor Cynthia Block, Ward 9 Councillor Bev Dubois, former mayor Don Atchison, K.C. Charities co-founder Bob Jeanneau, K.C. Charities president Ron Martens, board members, Columbian Village staff and residents attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Jenson, the Martensville MLA and minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, was the special guest at the ceremony to formally open the 134-unit facility on Thursday on Louise Street. This marked the fifth phase of the project, which began in November 1995. The latest addition brought the total number of housing units to 337.
Jenson said the SHC provided $900,000 in funding through the Rental Development Program, part of a $5-million fund available for 2025–26, to enable organizations like K.C. Charities to provide affordable homes for individuals, families and seniors.
“What we're trying to do is we're trying to provide complete expansion across the housing continuum. And this is one area where it's a very high priority for us, which falls within the affordable housing realm,” said Jenson.
“This happens to be an excellent senior housing facility. This is a celebration of what's possible when governments, communities and organizations work together with purpose, sharing a common goal of serving people.”
Of the 134 units for seniors, 30 are affordable one-bedroom homes for low-income seniors with mobility challenges. The facility also includes 20 fully accessible units and 10 barrier-free units — all supported by federal, provincial and municipal government funding.
Block said the legacy of those who inspired and built Columbian Manor over the past 40 years is something to reflect on, recognizing the vision and passion Jeanneau brought to the project.
“As we are here today on this exact property… it reminds me that from each piece that was built along the way, it had the same values. How do we ensure that we are building affordable homes that are both appropriate and rooted in faith? Not every senior's opportunity is going to have that piece, but it's needed for the people who live here,” said Block.
Martens said the project is the culmination of decades of fundraising, which began in a bingo hall on 20th Street West, near Avenue H Â鶹ÊÓƵ. The dream was to create a facility that provides affordable housing for seniors, offering apartments and assisted living below market rates in the city.
“You don't just say you're going to do it and that’s it. When you build a building, it typically takes about two and a half years from the time you start planning until the time you can occupy the building. This one took us about three and a half years, but there were problems with supply shortages,” said Martens, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays.
