Archived News Releases

Province Partners with Community Group to Create More Safe, Affordable Housing

The Manitoba government and the non-profit groups Clubhouse of Winnipeg and Fountain Springs Housing are partnering to create more affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families, Housing and Community Development Minister Peter Bjornson announced today.

“Clubhouse of Winnipeg and Fountain Springs have created an exciting vision for new, affordable housing in west Broadway,” Minister Bjornson said.  “This apartment building helps us complete our 2009 commitment to support 1,500 new affordable housing units and 1,500 new social housing units by this year.  We are also committing to build another 500 affordable and 500 social housing units for families, seniors and vulnerable people in the next three years.”

The new apartment building, located at 184 Sherbrook St. in Winnipeg, will be for low- to moderate‑income families or individuals, some of whom need assistance with housing due to mental‑health issues.  The project has been launched by Fountain Springs Housing as part of Clubhouse of Winnipeg, an organization that assists people with mental-health needs.

 “We are a community-based association offering employment and educational opportunities to people coping with mental illness and with this support from the Manitoba government, we are able to address the growing issue of the need for affordable housing for our clients,” said Marty Dolin, president of the board of directors of Clubhouse of Winnipeg.

The project is supported with approximately $7.6 million from the Manitoba government and will have 26 one-bedroom and five two-bedroom apartments.  All will include features that ensure people with mobility issues can access them and three will be fully accessible.

Rents will be set at affordable levels for Winnipeg and half the homes will offer rents geared to income.  Project construction is expected to begin this summer and is planned to be completed by late 2015.

 “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 by investing in their priorities such as jobs, infrastructure, health and education,” Minister Bjornson said.  “The continued growth of communities depends on building healthier, more vibrant neighbourhoods for Manitoba families.  Our government is committed to creating jobs, developing affordable housing, building vital infrastructure and improving the quality of life for more Manitobans.”

More information on Manitoba Housing and Community Development’s investments in the future is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/.

- 30 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED