November 12, 2014
Manitoba Government, MMF Launch Historic Partnership to Create Affordable Housing for Métis Families
– – –Three New Homes in Winnipeg First of Many to be Built Across Province: Minister Irvin-Ross, Chartrand
The Government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) are partnering for the first time to build affordable homes for Métis families across the province, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross and David Chartrand, president, MMF, announced today.
“This historic partnership will see the construction of affordable homes for Métis families in communities across Manitoba,” Minister Irvin-Ross said at a groundbreaking ceremony with Chartrand today. “Affordable housing establishes the foundation all families need to hold jobs, put down roots and raise healthy children.”
The groundbreaking ceremony at 132 Hallet St. marked the beginning of construction of three new homes under the partnership. The partnership is made possible by a five-year, $5.5-million commitment from the provincial government to assist in the new construction of high-quality, affordable housing for Métis families.
“We are pleased to join with the province in this historic partnership,” said Chartrand. “Together, we will work to address the critical shortage of affordable housing for Métis families.”
Manitoba Housing has approved up to $710,000 for the development of the three new homes at 132 Hallet St. Families will be able to move in when construction is completed in the spring of 2015.
By building three new homes where only one stood before, the Hallet project is an exceptionally efficient use of an infill lot, Minister Irvin-Ross said. Each home will be approximately 1,000 square feet and include three bedrooms, which will be a boon for larger families, she added.
The Manitoba government recently reached its five-year goal to provide funding commitments to create 1,500 new units of affordable housing throughout the province. The Manitoba government is now working toward its new commitment to create another 500 affordable and 500 social housing units in the next three years.
Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s overall strategy complements Budget 2014, a plan to create good jobs, grow the economy and protect front-line services for families by focusing on what matters most to Manitoba families.
- 30 -
The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Governement of Manitoba and the Manitoba Metis Federation.