Like many small towns, Schreiber is currently experiencing a housing crisis of sorts. As the town’s population reduced over the years, the demand for housing not only levelled off but in some instances actually declined. Many older and abandoned homes were torn down over the years and resulted in empty serviced lots all over town. Lack of employment opportunities was one factor driving the loss of population. No one could have predicted the current housing market that most countries are now experiencing. Prices have skyrocketed and just being able to get into the real estate market has become nearly impossible for a large segment of society.

During the last two years of COVID many people were forced to re-evaluate their lives and priorities and one result of that was a migration of people moving from the more expensive areas to more affordable and often smaller towns. Schreiber is now facing the prospect of not being able to provide housing for potential new residents. After years of decline, life in small towns is now a solution for many people pressed out of the current real estate landscape.

Chris Joubert is a real estate agent in Schreiber. He sat down to talk to Shane Appels with the Schreiber Media Centre to find out more about the new trends in housing in the township of Schreiber and surrounding areas.

Schreiber doesn’t really fit in with some current trends as the prices were actually so low in recent years that you could almost buy a house for less money than a new truck. It seems bizarre that up until last year you could buy a house and your mortgage payments might actually be less than your car payments! But with the state of the economy at present those cheap prices are quickly fading into the background. The cost of a new build for a home has also risen steeply as building material costs have also increased.

Chris Joubert not only summarized the current state of affairs but had some wise words for potential new comers into the area and first time buyers in general. He has been in the fortunate position of having one of the best years in his business during this pandemic. Noting that one factor driving sales is that more people are choosing to work from home.

Access to the larger centre of Thunder Bay and especially its airport means that anyone living in the Schreiber area need not feel so isolated and that current technology also gives the town a competitive edge for employment. These factors can help people relocate when looking to reduce costs associated with home ownership. Retired people are also pulling up stakes and seeking a more relaxed and quiet life in smaller centres. So it would appear that Schreiber might be set for a growth period but the problem of housing will need to be addressed, and soon if this trend continues.