Housing co-ops are being explored as a potential solution to housing issues in northeastern Saskatchewan communities like Melfort, Nipawin, and Tisdale. A University of Saskatchewan workshop on co-ops led local officials to consider them as an affordable housing option. While challenges like financing exist, supporters believe co-ops could address the region's low vacancy rates and rising housing costs by providing not-for-profit housing for members. Further workshops are planned to continue exploring the co-op model.