May 30, 2011
Province to Provide 150 New Housing Units for Seniors
– – –More Safe, Affordable Homes Help Seniors Live Independently: Selinger
The Government of Manitoba is continuing its investment in affordable housing by building 150 new independent and supported-living seniors housing units across the province and by creating a roundtable on the housing needs of seniors,Premier Greg Selinger announced today.
“Manitoba’s senior population is growing and the provincial government is investing $10 million to provide additional safe, affordable homes. This builds on our recent commitment to 320 units of housing for seniors,” said Selinger. “Good quality housing helps seniors continue to live independent lives in their own communities where they have the support of family and friends.”
The new 150 units will be for low- to moderate-income renters and housing co-operative members 55 or older, Selinger said. The province has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for construction of these homes.
“We value partnerships with non-profits, the private sector, housing organizations, service groups and community volunteers, which provide housing options for seniors that best serve local priorities and build on existing community strengths,” said Housing and Community Development Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross.
“Our Age-Friendly Manitoba initiative commits us to a goal of creating housing that supports independence and a high quality of life for seniors,” said Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors Minister Jim Rondeau. “Seniors value ties to their families and communities and want to be active in community life as participants and volunteers.”
Affordable homes for seniors are a key component of Manitoba Housing’s overall strategy, Selinger said. In 2009, the province committed to creating 1,500 new affordable housing units by 2014. As of March 31, 2011, the province had committed funding for 707 new affordable housing units.
As Manitoba celebrates Seniors' Week, the province is also creating a seniors’ roundtable that will help the provincial government plan for and meet the future housing needs of Manitoba seniors, said Irvin-Ross.
“The members of this roundtable will assist us by providing clear goals, strategic directions and recommendations for moving forward,” said Irvin-Ross. “This roundtable has participation from a diverse set of sectors including people highly engaged in finding practical solutions for and with seniors. I’m looking forward to hearing their ideas on how we can support seniors housing needs.”
“I am pleased to have been asked by the Province of Manitoba to be a part of the discussion to develop affordable housing plan for seniors,” said Jean Yves Rochon of the Manitoba Council on Aging. “I am confident the decisions that will be made will be in the best interests of the seniors community.”
In 2004, the province announced that aging in place would be adopted as a principle in the planning of all provincial government housing and long-term care initiatives. Aging in place means that people should not have to leave their homes to get the support services they need to cope with changing health and life-management needs, said Selinger.
- 30 -
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED
Backgrounder
Age-friendly Manitoba - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2011/05/Seniors_Housing.Bkg.doc