Archived News Releases

Three Levels of Government Open New Affordable and Supportive Housing in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG—The Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg today celebrated the official opening of WestEnd Commons, a 26-unit affordable housing community developed by St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc.

The project includes four one-bedroom, 15 two-bedroom, five three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes, over four levels with a central mezzanine space. Six apartments are fully accessible.At a total estimated cost of $7.3 million, this unique project saw space in St. Matthew’s Anglican Church redesigned into 26 homes for single-parent families, newcomers to Canada, First Nations families and those with mental health challenges. The transformation also includes a 1,000-sq.-ft. inner atrium and 1,900-sq.-ft. worship space on the main level for St. Matthew’s Anglican Church. The atrium has a repurposed play structure donated by the Winnipeg Airport Authority.

Quick Facts

• Under the Affordable Housing Initiative Extension Agreement, Manitoba and Canada contributed $1,875,000 toward the project, with an additional provincial contribution of $1,608,645 through the Housing Development and Rehabilitation Fund (HDRF).
• An additional federal investment of $836,985 was provided by Employment and Social Development Canadathrough the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, which is administered through the City of Winnipeg.
• The City of Winnipeg contributed $45,000 in capital funding, plus an additional $90,371 through the Neighbourhood Multi-Family Mixed-Use Building Grant Program, providing annual grants that will support operations of WestEnd Commons over the next 10 years.
• St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc. contributed approximately $1,159,000 through donations, private contributions, significant fundraising efforts and cash equity. An additional $1.8 million is financed by St. Matthews Non Profit Housing through a mortgage.
• In July 2014, the governments of Canada and Manitoba signed an extension of the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement that will provide for a combined investment of $104 million for the 2014-19 period to help more individuals and families in need access affordable housing.

Quotes

“We’re committed to making life more affordable for families in Winnipeg and across Canada.  I’m so encouraged to hear from the residents of WestEnd Commons who have said that this has provided them withmore than quality, affordable housing; it’s also provided a sense of community. We’ll continue to work closely with our provincial and community partners to ensure more of these success stories in the future.” – The Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development). 

“The Manitoba government is pleased to partner with all levels of government, as well as St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc., to provide safe, quality, affordable rental family housing through the development of the new WestEnd Commons Housing Project. This project will benefit the WestEnd by developing needed housing for area families and revitalizing a landmark of this community.” – The Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Manitoba Housing and Community Development

“St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc.is an example of how the community can come together and create a place that offers affordable housing and space for community use. Congratulations to the grassroots organizers and the different funders for making this great addition to our community happen.” – Cindy Gilroy, Daniel McIntyre Councillor, City of Winnipeg

"The opening of the WestEnd Commons fulfills a dream to offer safe, affordable, quality housing in this inner-city Winnipeg neighbourhood and give new life to a landmark building that has served this community for more than 100 years. This project is possible because of the talented people who pushed it to completion, the broad support it received from the Winnipeg community and the support and encouragement of all three levels of government. ” – John McNairnay, chair, St. Matthews Non Profit Housing Inc.