A Regional Approach to Meeting Local Housing Needs

 

Housing is one of the most urgent challenges facing the Turtle Mountain region. Employers cannot hire without housing. Families cannot move here without housing. Communities cannot grow without housing. The Regional Partnership provides the coordination, data, and momentum needed to address this challenge together.

 

This plan outlines how the Turtle Mountain region will identify housing needs, attract developers, support employers, and create practical, rural‑appropriate housing solutions.

 

Why Housing Matters in the Turtle Mountain Region

Workforce

Businesses across the region report the same issue: “We can hire people — but they have nowhere to live.”

 

Population Growth

Newcomers, families, and workers need safe, affordable, available housing.

 

Aging Housing Stock

Many homes in the region are older, inefficient, or in need of repair.

 

Limited Rental Options

Most communities have extremely limited rental availability, especially for:

• young workers

• seniors

• newcomers

• seasonal employees

 

Regional Interdependence

People move between communities for work, school, recreation, and services. Housing shortages in one community affect the entire region.

 

Regional Housing Goals

Goal 1: Increase the supply of workforce‑ready housing.

Affordable rentals, small homes, and employer‑supported units.

 

Goal 2: Support housing development in every community.

Boissevain, Deloraine, Waskada, Killarney, and rural areas.

 

Goal 3: Attract developers with clear data and coordinated approvals.

Make development easier, faster, and predictable.

 

Goal 4: Support employers who need housing for staff.

Provide models, tools, and partnerships.

 

Goal 5: Improve regional housing quality and diversity.

More options for seniors, families, newcomers, and workers.

 

What the Regional Partnership Will Do

Produce a Regional Housing Snapshot (Quarterly)

Data includes:

• rental availability

• vacancy rates

• average rents

• housing types

• workforce needs

• employer demand

• land availability

• infrastructure capacity

 

This gives developers and councils the information they need to act.

 

Identify Priority Housing Types

Based on regional needs:

• small workforce rentals (1–2 bedroom)

• senior‑friendly units

• newcomer housing

• duplexes and four‑plexes

• modular homes

• employer‑supported housing

• seasonal worker housing

• attainable starter homes

 

These are the units most likely to be built quickly and affordably.

 

Map Development‑Ready Land

Each community identifies:

• serviced lots

• partially serviced lots

• infill opportunities

• redevelopment sites

• rural cluster housing options

 

The partnership creates a regional land inventory for developers.

 

Coordinate Municipal Approvals

Matthewson & Co. helps councils:

• streamline zoning processes

• clarify permitting steps

• reduce delays

• coordinate cross‑municipal standards

• communicate clearly with developers

 

Developers get one regional point of contact, not five different systems.

 

Attract Developers

The partnership will:

• host developer information sessions

• share regional housing data

• promote development‑ready land

• highlight employer demand

• support feasibility assessments

• connect developers with councils

 

Developers see the region as one market, not fragmented towns.

 

Support Employer‑Led Housing

Many employers need housing for staff. The partnership provides:

• employer housing models

• templates for shared housing

• connections to builders

• support for financing options

• municipal coordination

 

This is critical for agriculture, trades, retail, tourism, and healthcare.

 

Launch Regional Housing Initiatives

Examples:

• regional rental development program

• modular housing pilot

• infill redevelopment program

• senior housing strategy

• newcomer housing support

• employer‑supported housing pilot

 

These initiatives create visible progress.

 

One‑Year Housing Action Plan

Quarter 1

• Complete regional housing snapshot

• Identify priority housing types

• Map development‑ready land

• Begin employer housing outreach

• Meet with councils to streamline approvals

 

Quarter 2

• Host regional developer information session

• Publish regional housing inventory

• Support 2–3 employers exploring housing options

• Begin feasibility work on modular or small‑unit pilot

 

Quarter 3

• Launch regional workforce housing initiative

• Support councils with zoning or permitting updates

• Engage developers for 1–2 priority projects

• Begin senior housing and newcomer housing discussions

 

Quarter 4

• Secure commitments for at least one new housing project

• Publish updated regional housing snapshot

• Expand employer housing program

• Plan Year 2 housing initiatives

 

Roles & Responsibilities

Matthewson & Co. (Regional Backbone)

• data collection

• developer engagement

• employer support

• municipal coordination

• project management

• reporting

• regional communication

 

Municipal Councils

• identify land

• streamline approvals

• support development

• align with regional priorities

 

Businesses & Employers

• identify workforce housing needs

• participate in employer housing models

• support regional initiatives

 

Developers & Builders

• assess feasibility

• build priority housing types

• partner with employers and councils

 

Residents & Organizations

• participate in engagement

• support community‑based housing solutions

 

Expected Outcomes

Within one year, the region will have:

• a clear regional housing inventory

• streamlined municipal processes

• active developer interest

• employer housing pilots underway

• regional workforce housing initiatives

• improved data for planning and funding

• visible progress toward new housing units

 

Within three years:

• new rental units

• new workforce housing

• new senior‑friendly housing

• stronger regional population growth

• improved business retention and attraction