Winnipeg to add nearly 600 affordable homes as part of $25 million housing investment

The Government of Canada and the City of Winnipeg have announced $25 million in funding which will provide over 1,000 new housing units to the city, including nearly 600 affordable units.

The grants, awarded to 11 local projects through the Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Grant Program, also focus on boosting downtown revitalization efforts according to a release by the City of Winnipeg.

The funding will support the creation of 1,135 new homes across the city, with 613 units located in downtown Winnipeg. Of the total, 597 units will be affordable, addressing a key need in the community.

“Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we’re working with cities like Winnipeg to tackle housing shortages and get more shovels in the ground,” said Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan. “These 11 projects will provide more Winnipeggers with safe, affordable homes and contribute to the economic vitality of downtown Winnipeg.”

The projects range from redeveloping vacant commercial buildings into residential spaces to creating transitional homes for vulnerable groups. Highlights include:

• 440 Edmonton St.: A 13-storey vacant building will be transformed into 180 new transitional, social, and affordable housing units.
• 145 Transcona Blvd.: A 154-unit development focusing on families and individuals with disabilities, with 46% of units designated as deeply affordable.
• Endaaying (Our Home): A 23-unit project providing transitional housing with support services for Indigenous youth in the North End.
• Our Safe Space: A 15-unit facility to support Inuit women and children escaping gender-based violence.

Mayor Scott Gillingham said, “By focusing on affordable and downtown housing, we’re addressing urgent needs and helping create a more inclusive, vibrant Winnipeg. I’m proud of the role this program will play in ensuring more residents have access to safe, affordable homes.”

🏠Exciting news! The first round of Housing Accelerator Fund grants has been awarded, bringing innovative projects to life to help tackle our housing needs. Check out the full list to see what’s coming: https://t.co/aTooVOvWdF pic.twitter.com/ixXjybI9YZ

— Mayor Scott Gillingham (@ScottGillingham) September 26, 2024

The City received 66 applications requesting a combined $160 million, reflecting widespread interest in the program. Additional rounds of grants are expected in the coming months.

This announcement builds on the $122.4 million in funding revealed in December 2023, which is projected to fast-track the creation of 3,166 housing units by 2027, including at least 931 affordable homes.