A $1-billion federal grant program to fast-track construction of affordable housing could help St. Albert establish a transitional home for youth in need.
On Nov. 16, St. Albert council voted unanimously to submit an application for the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) to secure one-time funding for a youth transitional home. Administration was also directed to bring back details on the city’s application to council before submission.
In August, council approved a motion to move forward with a capital project charter for the transitional home for young St. Albertans between the ages of 16 and 24 years.
At the time, administration estimated a 10-bed home with staff supports would cost approximately $650,000 a year to operate, though the amount depends on how much grant funding and available land the city is able to secure for the project, and the building itself. The goal is to have an outside agency operate the home.
Under the RHI program, project applications are scored based on several criteria, including community need, if another municipality or the province will share the cost and how fast the project can be completed. The minimum request is $1 million.
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will cover up to the full cost of construction, but not operating costs. Without a partner, operation would likely require city funding, said Catriona Gunn-Graham, community services senior manager.
“If we couldn’t secure a partner for the operational (side) ... we would either have to commit ourselves to the $650,000 or we would have to commit nothing, (have zero points in one category), and weaken our application,” Gunn-Graham said. She also noted it will be difficult to secure operational partners in that time given that applications are due at the end of the year.
Coun. Ken MacKay noted the current motion is just to approve the project in principle so the city could try to secure federal funding.
“Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” MacKay said. “I’m willing to at least approve the motion in front of me, but I’m not sure where I’m going to be when it comes back.”
