June 20, 2025
Manitoba Government Invests in Affordable Housing Units in Winnipeg's North Point Douglas Neighbourhood
– – –Properties Seized Under Criminal Property Forfeiture Act Will Soon Be Homes for Families: Ministers
The Manitoba government is creating 22 affordable housing units for families in the North Point Douglas neighbourhood using the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe and Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith announced today.
“Access to safe, affordable housing is key to a healthy and thriving community, it’s a social determinate of how well people do,” said Smith. “Our government is committed to addressing the housing gap by supporting affordable housing initiatives that ensure everyone, regardless of income, has a place to call home. By returning these properties back to the community, we’re sending a clear message: assets tied to criminal activities will be repurposed to strengthen our neighbourhoods and contribute to a safer, more resilient Manitoba for all.”
The properties were seized under the Criminal Property Forfeiture Act in 2022, after a Winnipeg Police Service investigation uncovered drug trafficking at the locations. In 2023, the Manitoba government asked non-profit and Indigenous organizations to submit proposals to turn the properties into affordable homes for low- and moderate-income families. Purpose Construction, a non-profit that provides trades training to people facing barriers to employment, was selected to redevelop the properties, which were transferred to the company for $1 each.
“Our government has been cracking down on organized crime from day one and we have given the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit more tools to go after the criminals who profit off of harming Manitobans and seize the proceeds of their crime,” said Wiebe. “We are working in collaboration with partners to invest seized assets right back into the neighbourhood and support the creation of affordable housing units as part of our broader commitment towards building safer, stronger communities across Manitoba.”
The ministers noted the Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit also contributed $680,000 towards the redevelopment of these vacant properties. In addition, a $700,000 investment was made by the Department of Housing, Addictions, and Homelessness to provide capital funding for this important affordable housing project.
“Through this exciting project, we’re creating training and employment opportunities for those in the community who need it most, and building the next generation of Canadian homebuilders," said Kalen Taylor, executive director, Purpose Construction. "This project aims to address two key aspects of the housing crisis in Canada, a lack of affordable rental housing units and a lack of skilled tradespeople needed to build them.”
This initiative builds on Budget 2025’s investment of over $78 million for the construction and renovation of social and affordable housing, including an additional $44 million to maintain housing units across the province. As part of this funding, the Manitoba government is building 400 new units of social and affordable housing and repairing another 5,000 units.
For more information on Budget 2025, visit https://manitoba.ca/budget2025/.
For more information about Manitoba’s Criminal Property Forfeiture Unit, visit https://gov.mb.ca/justice/commsafe/cpf/index.html.
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