The Saskatoon Tribal Council had hoped to have housing for its pilot project with the provincial government ready by last Christmas, but the company building the homes, 3twenty Modular, is waiting for some mechanical equipment which is on back order. 3twenty is doing all of the building at their own site and then the rapid housing units will be transported to Columbian Place. Tribal Chief Mark Arcand now expects the housing will be ready in March or April.

He explains that it’s for women who are in and out of jail on minor offences at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre. Workers are already in contact with the women, offering services to prepare them for their release, then once they are out, they will have housing for 18 months, and the services and programs will continue to help with healing and wellness, education, training and employment. Arcand says the goal of this pilot project is to reduce the number of women returning to jail. If the project succeeds, it will become a province-wide program.