October 14, 2016
Manitobans Asked for Input on Provincial Housing Strategy
The Manitoba government has launched an online survey to help guide the development of a new provincewide housing strategy, recognizing that access to stable and affordable housing has many far-reaching benefits connected to community, economic and social development, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced today.
“Reviewing Manitoba’s housing strategy will help ensure we are delivering the most effective programs and investments,” said Fielding. “This survey will help us understand our challenges and opportunities and guide our work on a spectrum of housing needs. We want to hear from Manitobans, including our tenants and community partners, on how we can make improvements in four priority areas.”
Manitobans can participate in an online survey at www.gov.mb.ca/housing/housing-consultation.html until Friday, Nov. 18, with questions focused on:
- addressing homelessness,
- condition of social and affordable housing stock,
- housing affordability, and
- supports for existing and potential homeowners.
Manitoba Housing will also be holding a series of focus groups throughout the province to gather perspectives from municipal governments, Indigenous organizations, the real-estate, development and private sector, advocacy groups and academia, as well as private and non-profit housing providers, key service agencies and many other groups representing the diversity of Manitoba.
“Our goal is to be the most improved province in Canada,” said Fielding. “We are reaching out directly to Manitobans for input and ideas that will help us develop a shared vision for housing solutions in Manitoba that is practical, sustainable and community-driven.”
The minister noted the 2016 federal budget announced new affordable housing funding commitments as well as the Government of Canada’s intention to develop a national housing strategy. A summary of the feedback gathered will be released publicly and used to inform Manitoba-specific priorities in the housing sector, he added.
Manitoba Housing owns the province’s housing portfolio, which includes about 18,000 units, and provides housing assistance to a total of approximately 35,500 households. These assistance programs can be delivered directly or in partnership with a variety of non-profit and community-based organizations.
Manitoba Housing delivers social and affordable rental housing programs, renovation and repair programs, home ownership programs, and programs to support emergency shelters and address homelessness. It is also responsible for managing and developing provincially owned land, with profits reinvested in the community through a housing development rehabilitation fund.
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