Affordable Safe Housing for Seniors

February 24, 2014

PROVINCE INVESTS IN MORE SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOMES TO HELP SENIORS LIVE INDEPENDENTLY: MINISTER BJORNSON

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Manitoba Government to Work with Community Partners to Create 140 New Homes for Seniors Across Province

The Manitoba government continues to invest in affordable housing for seniors and is seeking partners to build 140 new units in communities across the province, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson said today.

“Manitoba’s population is steadily growing and there are more seniors who require safe, affordable homes,” said Minister Bjornson.  “We are investing $9 million and seeking partners to build homes were seniors can lead full lives in their own communities close to families and friends.”

The new homes will be for low- to moderate-income renters and co-op housing members 55 or older, the minister said.  The province has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for construction of these homes.  Under this RFP, the province is making available up to $65,000 per unit in southern Manitoba and $75,000 per unit in northern Manitoba, to a maximum of 35 per cent of eligible project costs.

“We value partnerships with non-profits, the private sector, housing organizations, service groups and community volunteers who can provide appropriate housing options for seniors that best serve local priorities and build on existing community strengths,” Minister Bjornson said.

Affordable homes are a key component of Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s overall strategy, said the minister.  In 2009, the Manitoba government committed to creating 1,500 new affordable homes by 2014.  As of Feb. 1, the province had committed funding for 1,443 new affordable homes.

In Budget 2013, the province announced funding for an additional 500 affordable and 500 rent‑geared-to-income homes.  This request for proposals is the first in a series of initiatives to meet this new commitment.

In 2004, the province adopted aging in place as a principle in the planning of all of its long-term care initiatives.  Aging in place means people should not have to leave their homes to get support services they need to cope with changing health and life-management needs.

Additional details on the request for proposals can be found at: www.manitoba.ca/housing/sr_housing_rfp.html.

More information on Manitoba housing and community development programs is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/index.html.

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