Province Invests More Than $31 Million in Social Housing Improvements

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Projects Include Renovations, Repairs and Security Upgrades: Minister

The Manitoba government is investing more than $31 million in improvements at Manitoba Housing properties across the province, ensuring social housing units remain available to lower-income Manitobans for years to come, Families Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.

 

“This is an important investment for Manitobans who need affordable housing during these unprecedented times,” said Stefanson. “We are committed to ensuring a safe and suitable range of housing options are available to lower-income Manitobans when they need it. This funding will support upgrades and repairs in units and properties across the province, benefiting hundreds of tenants.” 

 

This year, the province will invest more than $31.2 million in renovations, repairs and routine maintenance in housing properties across the province, an increase of more than $9.6 million over last year’s budget for repair and maintenance in Manitoba Housing's owned and direct-managed portfolio. This investment will include projects such as:

The minister noted these investments will help the province get over 800 otherwise vacant units ready for new tenants including over 400 units in Winnipeg. It will also help support the province’s overall economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, through purchases of necessary materials and services.

 

“Our government is committed to making timely investments that ensure the sustainability of social housing over the long term,” said Stefanson. “This multi-million dollar commitment supports tenants and the community, and reflects Manitoba’s plan to responsibly manage provincial assets.”

 

Manitoba has also invested $2 million in security upgrades at seven Manitoba Housing properties in Winnipeg, ensuring the safety of tenants, staff and surrounding communities. This includes adding 320 security cameras as well as improvements to exterior lighting, intercoms and alarm systems. Upgraded properties are located on Dufferin Avenue, Kennedy Street (two properties), Nassau Street, Osborne Street, Marion Street and Young Street and represent 1,025 housing units. 

 

This investment complements the Housing Communications Centre, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to concerns from tenants including security issues. In addition, Manitoba Housing provides security services at selected properties throughout the province including a 23-member mobile security service.

 

The province has made several notable affordable housing investments since forming government in 2016, including over $100 million in new social and affordable housing rental units, creating 631 new units for Manitobans who need them. Last year the province signed onto the 10-year National Housing Strategy with the federal government, which invests over $450 million in social housing including over $225 million from Manitoba alone. 

 

The province also continues to make significant investments in non-Employment Income Assistance (EIA) Rent Assist for families who need help paying their rent. The minister noted that investments in non-EIA Rent Assist have nearly tripled since 2016 – to $36 million in 2019-20 from $13.1 million in 2015-16.

 

Manitoba Housing owns and manages nearly 13,000 affordable and social housing units in the province and provides support to another 4,000 managed by other organizations. For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing. 

 

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