A new regional housing strategy presented to St. Paul council is aiming to address housing shortages, affordability challenges and future development needs across the region through a coordinated long-term plan involving multiple municipalities and community partners.

Representatives from ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd. presented the finalized St. Paul Regional Housing Strategy during the Town of St. Paul’s May 11 council meeting. The strategy was developed in partnership with the Town of St. Paul, the County of St. Paul, the Village of Horseshoe Bay and the Town of Elk Point.

According to the presentation, the purpose of the strategy is “to understand the current state of housing in the St. Paul region and identify gaps to inform a strategy that meets the needs of the community today and into the future.”

The strategy outlines recommended actions for municipalities, housing providers and regional partners, with a focus on increasing housing diversity, improving affordability, supporting seniors and expanding access to emergency and supportive housing services.

The project included multiple phases of public engagement, council workshops and administrative meetings throughout 2025 and early 2026 before returning to council this month as a finalized strategy.

Four major policy areas were identified in the strategy:

• expanding wrap-around services and supportive housing
• diversifying housing supply while maintaining affordability
• supporting age-friendly communities
• increasing education and awareness around housing issues.

Some of the proposed actions include encouraging affordable and purpose-built rental housing, identifying municipally owned land that could support affordable housing projects, supporting modular and multi-generational housing options and developing incentives for housing repairs and renovations.

The strategy also recommends reviewing municipal planning documents and bylaws to support additional housing forms, including tiny homes and ready-to-move housing.

Another focus area involves seniors’ housing and aging in place. The presentation highlighted recommendations to encourage universal design standards in new developments and explore opportunities to expand senior-oriented services and accessibility modifications.

The strategy further recommends improved collaboration between municipalities, developers, non-profit housing organizations and other regional agencies. Suggested initiatives include annual networking events, housing education programs and the possible creation of a dedicated regional housing coordination position.

Council did not make any formal decisions related to the strategy during the presentation, but the document will help guide future housing discussions, planning decisions and partnership opportunities across the region over the coming years.