February 8, 2011
Governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg Announce New Affordable Housing Project for New Canadians in Winnipeg
Winnipeg, MB -- The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg announced plans today for a 48-unit affordable housing project for new Canadians being developed by Peace Tower Housing Corporation.
On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development and Mike Pagtakhan, City of Winnipeg Councillor for the Point Douglas Ward, made the announcement today in Winnipeg.
All three levels of government are supporting the construction of the Peace Tower, a $12.7-million, seven‑storey apartment complex to be built in the heart of Winnipeg’s Chinatown at Princess Street and Logan Avenue. The building will have a main-floor multi-purpose room and adjoining patio for residents.
“Manitoba has a proud tradition of welcoming new Canadians and with the strong support of the Chinese community this project will add to the growing sense of pride in Winnipeg’s downtown neighbourhoods,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “This announcement builds on our commitment to provide more affordable housing options and we look forward to further expanding our housing options in Winnipeg.”
The project was co-ordinated through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) and will have 48 fully accessible residential units with balconies. It is designed with six one-bedroom units, 30 two‑bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units. The three-bedroom units will include an additional half bathroom to accommodate the needs of larger families.
“This complex project is a very welcome addition to our Chinatown community,” said Councillor Pagtakhan. “Immigrants to this area will be able to settle into affordable housing close to the amenities and services they require to transition into their new environment.”
Peace Tower Housing Corporation will co-ordinate tenant placement with the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council (MIIC) and the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization of Manitoba Inc. (IRCOM). The corporation is also considering using a geothermal heating and cooling system on site, pending the results of an economic feasibility study.
“This is a new chapter for Winnipeg’s Chinatown after the first revitalization effort in the 80s,” said Dr. Joseph Du, the chairperson of the Winnipeg Chinatown Development Corporation. “We are excited to have more people living and working in Chinatown and look forward to adding more commercial space so new immigrants can open businesses in the neighbourhood too.”
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks!, the Province of Manitoba, with the financial assistance of the Government of Canada is contributing $378 million over two years for housing initiatives in Winnipeg and across the province. HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction strategy by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans. More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
The WHHI housing programs are funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Manitoba Housing and the City of Winnipeg, and homelessness programs are funded through the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnership Strategy (HPS).
Since 2000, the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative – a partnership between Canada, Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg – has committed almost $185 million to repair, rehabilitate, or construct over 8,400 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For more information, visit www.whhi.ca.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Canada, City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba and the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative.
Backgrounder
Programs - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2010/Peace_Tower.Bkg.doc