Affordable Housing Initiatives Underway in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, July 12, 2005 — Low- to moderate-income residents in the William Whyte and North Point Douglas neighbourhoods will have access to more affordable and energy-efficient housing with the construction of 15 new homes, the rehabilitation of four rental units and grants to improve properties. The projects are being made possible with the help of over $1 million in funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba, and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI). Total project costs are estimated at $2.2 million.

Today's announcement was made at 434 Magnus, the site of one of the new homes, by the Honourable Christine Melnick, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing; the Honourable Reg Alcock, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing; and Mike Pagtakhan, Deputy Mayor of the City of Winnipeg and Councillor for the Point Douglas Ward, on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz.

"These are exciting times for Winnipeg's north end affordable housing market," said Minister Alcock. "The addition of these new and rehabilitated units will not only increase the availability of safe, affordable housing in the area, but they will also help to stabilize the neighbourhood and provide hope for those wanting to own their home."

"This support is a great example of working cooperatively with local groups on community-based goals that will create new homes while at the same time boost the revitalization of Winnipeg's inner-city," said Minister Melnick. "We are pleased as well that these partnerships will provide more opportunities for low- to moderate-income Manitobans to purchase their own home and access affordable rental housing which are important keys to neighbourhood stability."

"This is another exciting example of the work being done to revitalize inner-city neighbourhoods and to create vibrant and safe communities," said Deputy Mayor Pagtakhan. "Area residents will now have more safe and affordable housing options, as 15 new homes are being built while others are renovated and improved throughout the neighbourhood. Together, we're investing not only in our community but also in our City, and we're making significant progress."

Funding support facilitated through the WHHI includes:

• $734,000 from CMHC under the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative;
• $395,000 for land and assembly costs from the City of Winnipeg's Housing Rehabilitation Investment Reserve;
• $270,000 through Manitoba's Neighbourhood Housing Assistance; and
• $72,000 under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance (RRAP) program, cost-shared 75/25 per cent by the governments of Canada and Manitoba.

"The North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) is proud to support these important housing initiatives in the William Whyte and Point Douglas neighbourhoods," said Nanette McKay, NECRC Executive Director. "With the funding through the WHHI we will be able to build 15 much-needed new homes, as well as help upgrade existing housing and contribute to the overall revitalization of the north end."

The funding is coordinated by the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative, a partnership established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed approximately $58 million that has or will contribute to the repair, rehabilitation or construction of over 2,500 units and 137 rooms or beds, as well as assist the homeless or those at risk of being homeless. Located at 361 Hargrave Street, the WHHI serves as a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government funded housing and homelessness programs. For information, organizations or citizens can call (204) 940-3070.

For further information, please contact:

Brian Williamson
Communications
Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI)
(204) 984-0592
e-mail: brian.williamson@hrdc-drhc.gc.ca

Ken Murdoch
North End Housing Project
(204) 953-1895

Backgrounder

North End Housing Initiatives

These projects will provide affordable housing for low- to moderate-income residents and will contribute to the revitalization of the William Whyte and North Point Douglas neighbourhoods. All projects have the support of the North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC).

North End Housing Project (NEHP) build

• North End Housing Project will construct 15 affordable and energy-efficient homes in two north end neighbourhoods over three phases: 10 houses in William Whyte and five houses in North Point Douglas. The homes will be a mix of two-storey, three-bedroom designs and all will meet Manitoba Hydro R2000 standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality. The design is flexible for future developments or home improvements and to be accessible by persons with a disability. The new homes are being constructed on vacant lots in the neighbourhoods and will be sold to low- to moderate-income residents. All 15 homes are expected to be completed by December 31, 2005. The total project cost is estimated at $1.9 million.

Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC)

186 Salter Street Renovation Project

• WHRC has purchased and is making extensive renovations to a vacant and boarded up four-plex consisting of four, two-bedroom units at 186 Salter Street in William Whyte. Exterior work will include the installation of a parking lot, fencing and landscaping. WHRC will manage the renovated property. The total project costs are estimated at $284,000.

North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC) — Exterior Fix-up Grants

• The North End Community Renewal Corporation will provide individual grants totaling $120,000 to property owners in William Whyte and North Point Douglas aimed at improving the exterior appearance and/or function of the houses and land. Homeowners are required to contribute a minimum amount toward their project while landlords are offered a matching grant for the projects they complete on their properties. This is the fourth consecutive year that NECRC has provided small exterior grants to homeowners and landlords.