April 19, 2011
Provincial Housing Strategy Working: Irvin-Ross
– – –Manitoba Pledges to Stay Ahead of Schedule in Reaching Commitment to Add 1,500 Social, Affordable Housing Units
Manitoba is approaching 50 per cent of its goal of creating 1,500 affordable housing only two years into a five-year plan, Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.
“Our plan is working. After just two years, we have added more than 700 affordable housing units toward our five-year goal of 1,500,” said Irvin-Ross. “This year, we will forge ahead with our goal of adding 300 affordable and social-housing units per year.”
In the first two years of the five-year-plan, the province also assisted almost 628 households with rent geared to income and has assisted 853 households in the private market including renovations for homeowners, seniors, people living with disabilities and renters.
Manitoba remains committed to building quality affordable housing to support seniors, new Canadians and families in all corners of the province, the minister added.
“Good quality housing has a positive impact on the health of people and communities and is key in reducing poverty.”
The construction of the new affordable housing supply of 700-plus housing units has leveraged more than $47 million in funding from community partners, creating 1,220 jobs and generating more than $66 million in economic spinoffs, said Irvin-Ross.
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