November 23, 2009

GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA, MANITOBA AND WINNIPEG MARK NATIONAL HOUSING DAY WITH FUNDING FOR 10 MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR WINNIPEG'S INNER CITY


Winnipeg MB, November 23, 2009 – The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are making a joint investment to create new affordable homes for Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.

The Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development, and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan on behalf of mayor Sam Katz, marked National Housing Day with a celebration of this partnership that will develop 10 new homes for low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families in Winnipeg.

Today’s announcement includes more than $1.4 million in funding through Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks! Een Dah Aung Aboriginal Housing Program, which is jointly funded by the Government of Canada and Province of Manitoba. The City of Winnipeg is also contributing nine lots in the Dufferin, West Alexander, St. John’s and William Whyte neighbourhoods.

“Building new affordable housing makes a great impact because it does more than just provide housing,” said Irvin-Ross. “Initiatives like this breathe new life into the neighbourhood by helping to strengthen communities while providing a foundation for families.”

Kinew Housing Inc. will oversee the construction of the 10 infill homes, and will also manage them as rental units for urban Aboriginal families. Kinew Housing Inc. is a non-profit Urban Aboriginal housing group that already owns and manages about 400 units of housing in Winnipeg.

Representing Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan said, “The City of Winnipeg is proud to be a partner in the development of these 10 new homes. Shelter is a fundamental need for everyone in the community – meeting that need will open up new opportunities and new hope for the families who live in these homes.”

All 10 units have been designed to incorporate a wheelchair accessible, visitable main floor and all homes will have R-2000 certification for energy efficiency which will reduce operating costs. These homes will be targeted at low-to-moderate income Aboriginal families, with rent geared to income and be supported with additional funding through Manitoba Housing. It is estimated they will be completed in spring 2010.

“Access to affordable housing is a struggle for many people, and Kinew is proud to be able to help 10 more families find a home in the inner city,” said Lawrence Poirier, General Manager of Kinew Housing Inc. “A lot of people have put a lot of work into this effort, and we look forward to seeing Aboriginal families move into these homes.”

This investment is being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods.

Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada are contributing $327 Million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the Province. Manitoba is contributing $227 Million and the federal contribution is close to $100 Million. This funding will result in the development of new affordable housing, and significant investment in the renovation of public and private sector housing for low to moderate income households.

To find out more about HOMEWorks! and Manitoba Housing projects visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.