November 16, 2016
Province Announces Major Renovation Project at Seniors' Housing Complex Completed
The Manitoba government has invested more than $17 million to completely renovate Donwood Manor Elderly Persons Housing, allowing it to remain a safe and affordable housing option for seniors in Winnipeg’s North Kildonan neighbourhood, Families Minister Scott Fielding announced at the facility’s grand opening today.
“This renovation has extended the life of the building and addressed important safety, mechanical and accessibility needs,” said Fielding. “The result of this work is a warm and welcoming environment that seniors in the community will be proud to call home, and we are pleased to celebrate its completion.”
Donwood Manor Elderly Persons Housing is an eight-storey seniors’ complex that provides affordable assisted living units. The minister noted it required a major renovation, which included:
- a complete refresh of all suites, including renovating 24 units on three floors to increase their square footage, and improving accessibility for all suites by expanding washrooms and doorways;
- updating common areas including a renovated lobby and a more accessible mailbox location for tenants;
- converting space on the main floor to create a new dining hall;
- upgrading electrical and mechanical systems including ventilation and plumbing upgrades;
- completing exterior upgrades; and
- roof repairs.
Donwood Manor Elderly Persons Housing provides one-bedroom and bachelor suites for seniors, offering independent living in an environment with security, opportunities to socialize, access to a meal program, recreation and light housekeeping. The property is owned by the province and managed by the Donwood Manor Elderly Persons Housing board of directors.
“We are pleased with the opportunity to continue to support affordable housing for seniors in the northeast quadrant of the city,” said Nina Labun, chief executive officer of the Donwood Organization, which manages this property and several others in Winnipeg. “This partnership with Manitoba Housing supports Donwood’s vision to actively anticipate and respond to the diverse needs to seniors in our community, both today and tomorrow.”
Manitoba Housing worked with tenants throughout the process to minimize disruptions as much as possible over the last two years, the minister noted. This is the first major renovation to the property since it was built in 1974.
For more information about Manitoba Housing, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing. More information about Donwood Manor can be found at www.donwoodmanor.org.
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