Media Centre

Housing company unveils plans for major downtown development

By David Baxter, Reporter Global News – November 3, 2015

REGINA – The Namerind Housing Corporation celebrated the opening of their new head office Wednesday morning at 1130 Winnipeg Street. President and CEO Robert Byers said the move represents the “start of a new era” for the 100 per cent Aboriginal owned company.

A major part of this new era is Namerind Place, a 170 unit affordable housing complex, which is scheduled to be built in downtown Regina. Construction on the mixed use building at 11th Avenue and Lorne Street is scheduled to start in two years and take 24 to 30 months to complete.

“It’s a big step for us. We’ve never done anything like this and we’re very excited about it. We’ve taken on different challenges over the last ten years and we’re excited about it,” said Byers.

The mixed use building will contain two levels of underground parking, a 70 space daycare, and a 25,000 square foot grocery store.

“This has been a priority for council and those who live downtown or near downtown have wanted a grocery store,” said Mayor Michael Fougere. “Namerind is visionary to do that. They’ve got a plan in place, they’ve bought the land, they’re ready to demolish a building and we’re very happy for them.”

The vacant building at 1840 Lorne Street will be demolished in the next few weeks to make way for Namerind Place. In the two years before construction begins, the plot of land will function as a pay parking lot.

During the opening press conference Namerind revealed concept plans for the mixed-use towers.