WINNIPEG, Manitoba, November 28, 2003 — Residents will soon benefit from the rehabilitation of more than 20 homes and homeowners will be able to access grants to improve properties in the William Whyte neighbourhood, with the help of over $1 million from the governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI).
The support is being provided to the North End Community Renewal Corporation, North End Housing Project, Kinew Housing Inc., and Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation. This funding supports priorities identified in the William Whyte Neighbourhood Housing Plan developed by the North End Community Renewal Corporation and the William Whyte Resident’s Association. The North End Renewal Corporation will coordinate implementation of the plan along with local housing development partners.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); the Honourable Christine Melnick, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing; and His Worship Glen Murray, Mayor of Winnipeg.
"A lot of planning and many hours went into these improvement projects and we already have some positive results," said Secretary of State Mahoney. "These are truly neighbourhood-driven initiatives and the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is committed to working with communities to develop sustainable solutions and expand housing options for Canadians."
"These neighbourhood groups will be able to create more safe and affordable housing which will improve the quality of life for local residents, while strengthening families," said Minister Melnick. "This announcement continues our support, including funding from the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative, in the William Whyte area to help revitalize declining neighbourhoods and renovate derelict and boarded-up housing."
"Winnipeg's housing partnership is unique in Canada because it's the only program where all three levels of government are working together to fund housing improvements in older neighbourhoods," said Mayor Murray. "Most of the credit today goes to the North End's housing development partners for their leadership in fixing up these homes. Through the work of these community leaders, residents will have more affordable housing opportunities. This program instils pride in the community and encourages homeowners to invest in their properties so they can continue to live the William Whyte neighbourhood."
The WHHI is providing $900,000 to the North End Housing Project, $152,000 to the Winnipeg Housing and Rehabilitation Corporation, $50,700 to Kinew Housing Inc., and $60,000 to the North End Community Renewal Corporation. In addition, Manitoba's Neighbourhoods Alive! is providing $10,000 to the North End Community Renewal Corporation.
The renovated homes will be made available to low- and moderate-income families on a rental or rent-to-own basis. The North End Community Renewal Corporation will be providing grants to homeowners and landlords in the neighbourhood.
WHHI funding includes: $555,700 under the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative, cost-shared by the governments of Canada and Manitoba; $250,000 from Manitoba’s Neighbourhood Housing Assistance program; $285,000 through the City of Winnipeg’s Housing Initiative; $72,000 under the federal-provincial Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and $10,000 from the provincial Neighbourhoods Alive! Initiative.
"These projects are the result of the residents coming together to plan, discuss and realize their thoughts and dreams of how they want their neighbourhood to look in the future," said Nanette McKay, Executive Director for North End Community Renewal Corporation. "We greatly appreciate the support from the WHHI that enabled us to move ahead with these initiatives."
The housing plan focuses on the rehabilitation and construction of homes for low- and moderate-income families in the William Whyte area, as well as community revitalization through neighbourhood clean-ups, turning vacant lots into community gardens and providing grants to homeowners and landlords for fix-up projects (see backgrounder for details).
The funding is being coordinated by the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative, a partnership established by Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods. Located at 361 Hargrave Street, the WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government funded housing and homelessness programs. Community groups wanting more information on programs can call the WHHI at (204) 940-3070.
For more information:
Brian Williamson Mary Williams
Winnipeg Housing and North End Housing Project
Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) (204) 953-1895
(204) 984-0592
e-mail: brian.williamson@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca
Project Backgrounder
The William Whyte neighbourhood improvement projects include: