BHP is investing more than $2 million in housing and childcare infrastructure across the Jansen region to help local communities prepare for expected growth as the company advances construction of one of the world’s largest potash mines.

Together, the housing and childcare programs underscore BHP’s commitment to sustainable regional development. With production on track to begin in 2027, Jansen is expected to generate around 900 permanent jobs.    

“These investments demonstrate our commitment to supporting both our workforce and the communities around Jansen,” said Karina Gistelinck, Asset President Potash, BHP. “By investing in housing and childcare, we’re helping families who choose to live and work here have the infrastructure and services they need to thrive. We are building for long-term growth so that Jansen’s benefits extend into the neighbouring communities.”

Housing opportunities

Through the BHP Jansen Housing Stimulation Program, up to $1 million has been allocated to stimulate new housing development within a 90-kilometre radius of Jansen. Twenty applications have been approved — 14 in Humboldt and six in Lanigan — representing 20 new high-quality homes now under construction.

The homes vary in size and style to accommodate a range of family needs, with completion expected between late 2025 and summer 2026. BHP employees have priority access to purchase the homes until one month after completion, after which remaining homes will be made available on the open market. Prices start at $425,000 and range up to $600,000.

The BHP Jansen Housing Stimulation Program consists of two key components:

• Infrastructure grants providing developers with up to 10 per cent of construction costs, to a maximum of $50,000 per home, for projects completed by July 2026.
• A rental guarantee program offering landlords 80 per cent rent coverage for one year, or until the unit is leased by a BHP employee, to stimulate development of new rental housing in the region.

Lanigan Mayor Tony Mycock said the initiative will have a lasting community impact.

“Lanigan is grateful for the support that BHP is providing to communities through the incentive program,” said Mayor Mycock. “It’s amazing that Lanigan achieved support for six builds, as it helps us with sustainable growth and demonstrates what building corporate relationships can achieve for the benefit of our community.”

Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench added:

“The City of Humboldt is pleased to acknowledge the recent announcement from the BHP Jansen Housing Stimulation Program. We look forward to the development of 14 approved housing projects by private contractors within our community.”

The program was launched at the Sylvite 4-6 Regional Development Housing Forum in June 2025. Sylvite 4-6 is a BHP-backed partnership between municipal and Indigenous communities focused on supporting sustainable regional growth in housing, childcare, labour, and training.

Supporting working families through childcare investments

BHP has also invested over $1 million in two new childcare centres being built in LeRoy and Muenster, creating a combined 135 new licensed childcare spaces for local families.

The LeRoy Daycare, located 13 kilometres from the Jansen mine, will offer 90 spaces and is expected to open by early 2026. The Muenster Co-operative Childcare Centre, 51 kilometres from the mine, will add 45 spaces and is anticipated to open in summer 2026. Both will accept infants as young as six weeks and will offer extended operating hours aligned with mine shift schedules.

A spokesperson for the LeRoy Daycare Board said the project has been transformational for the community.

“We can’t thank BHP enough for believing in our vision and partnering with us on such a monumental project,” the spokesperson said. “This partnership has made our daycare expansion a reality, allowing us to better support working families, empower early childhood educators, and nurture the next generation.”

Jen Helmkay, board member of the Muenster Co-operative Childcare Centre, said BHP’s support helped make their project possible.

“Our partnership with BHP has made a pivotal impact in our ability to bring a childcare centre to our community,” said Helmkay. “Their financial contribution has allowed us to qualify for further funding, break ground on construction in 2025, and offer more childcare seats to local families.”

Both centres will operate under the Ministry of Education’s regulated childcare guidelines.

Photo - LeRoy Daycare rendering