Canadian developer Gary Brar calls for increased attention to housing shortages in regional communities like Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, and North Battleford.
ONTARIO, CA AND REGINA, SASKATCHEWAN / ACCESS Newswire / February 19, 2026 / Canadian entrepreneur and real estate developer Gary Brar is raising awareness about a growing housing crisis in Canada's mid-sized and smaller cities. Brar, founder of Brar Investment Group, is encouraging business leaders, city officials, and local residents to take action in solving housing challenges faced by workers, healthcare professionals, and families in overlooked communities.
"The problem isn't just in Toronto or Vancouver," said Brar. "It's happening in Moose Jaw, Estevan, and North Battleford-places that are growing, but don't have enough housing for the people who live and work there."
With more than two decades in real estate development, Brar has witnessed the pressures that healthcare workers, tradespeople, and young families face when trying to find quality housing near their jobs. His company has built and operated branded hotels and residential communities across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. But now, he's focusing on raising awareness-not just more buildings.
A Silent Strain on Regional Economies
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) estimates that Canada needs 3.5 million more homes by 2030 to restore affordability nationwide. Yet much of the focus remains on major urban markets. Brar says that leaves small-town and regional communities behind.
"If a new nurse can't find an affordable apartment close to the hospital, they'll go elsewhere," Brar said. "And that hurts the whole town."
In cities like Prince Albert and Lloydminster, demand is rising, but supply is slow. These are not tourist hubs or high-rise markets. They're service-driven communities where local industry and healthcare keep things moving. According to Statistics Canada, the vacancy rate in smaller urban centers has fallen to its lowest point in a decade, averaging just 1.5% in many Prairie regions.
More Than Development-It's a Community Mission
Brar Investment Group's latest projects include housing communities designed near hospitals and key job sites. These aren't luxury buildings. They're practical, well-built homes designed for the people keeping the city running.
"We're not building condos for investors," said Brar. "We're building homes for people who wake up early, take care of others, and make the community work."
Brar notes that in some towns, his developments are the only new housing being built in years. That's a concern.
"When no one builds, prices climb. Families move out. Employers struggle to hire. It's a chain reaction."
A Call to Action: What Communities Can Do
Brar is now encouraging more developers, municipalities, and residents to think long-term and act local. He says even small steps can add up:
For City Leaders
Speed up permit approvals for new multifamily projects
Offer incentives for developments near job centers
Partner with private developers to meet workforce housing needs
For Residents
Advocate for housing as infrastructure, not just construction
Support zoning that allows for mid-sized apartments and townhomes
Encourage city councils to work with builders solving real needs
For Business Owners
Speak up about how housing shortages affect staff and hiring
Collaborate with local developers on location planning
Explore employee housing support in high-need areas
"Everyone has a role," Brar said. "Even just attending a council meeting or writing an email can shift momentum in the right direction."
About Gary Brar
Gary Brar is a Canadian real estate developer and the founder of Brar Investment Group. With over 20 years of experience, his firm owns and operates hospitality and residential properties across Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta. Brar is focused on bringing strategic housing to growing, underserved markets and helping local economies thrive through thoughtful development.
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SOURCE: Gary Brar
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