The year was 2004. I headed off to Saskatoon to live on my own for the first time as I started broadcasting college. It was an exciting, but frightening time, because now the “adult responsibilities” started like learning to cook for oneself and paying the dreaded rent. I lucked out and landed a beautiful one bedroom basement suite on Avenue D in Saskatoon, which was not only close to the college, but was relatively cheap at $350/month with everything included AND a great neighbour above! When I tell people what I paid for rent in 2004 and 2005 most are met with shock considering how much rates have gone up since that time. We know we can’t find nice places at $350/month anymore in Saskatchewan cities, but we’re still cheaper than many other places in Canada, especially Toronto!
Just recently on Reddit and Kijiji, a landlord is renting out bunkbeds in a one bedroom apartment for more than I paid for my entire suite in 2004! The landlord claims three of the four bunkbeds are rented and is looking for one more female. In all, the landlord is charging $525/month ($475 + utilities) for the just the top or bottom bunk of a bed! In total, the owner is getting about $2100/month for the apartment. The landlord buttered up the ad as well, saying there’s a nice kitchenette and an attached den for storage. On top of all this, the landlord wants to ensure a prospective tenant signs a minimum four month contract and give a minimum 60 days notice if they’re moving out.
Now, let’s think about this. Multiple bunkbeds in one room with tiny living quarters? Almost sounds like a prison cell doesn’t it? Thankfully the tenants have their own bathroom and the only bars they see are the ones down the street and on the corner. It’s easy to criticize Saskatchewan, but occasionally we need to hear stories like this to remind us that life in Saskatchewan and our cost of living isn’t all that bad when you compare it to many other places in Canada and around the world. Having said that….I still miss the $350/month rent rates!
Pictured: Reddit post of bunkbed rentals
