WINNIPEG, MANITOBA–(Marketwire – June 1, 2012) – The Governments of Canada and Manitoba today announced $7.77 million in joint funding for a new affordable housing co-operative in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg. The 36 units will enhance housing quality and accessibility for seniors in Winnipeg. Celebrations took place at a groundbreaking ceremony.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development and Joyce Bateman, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our government is committed to improving housing availability and affordability in Manitoba,” said Minister Irvin-Ross. “This investment will ensure that safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing will be available to seniors in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg. It’s more important than ever to work together to develop housing solutions that will benefit Manitobans and revitalize our communities.”

“Our government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need. That’s why we are proud to have invested in this housing project in Winnipeg.” said MP Bateman. “The new units will be safe and affordable, and help to enhance the lives of families and individuals who call them home.”

Westlands Non-Profit Housing Cooperative Inc. is building a 36-unit building at 50 Oddy Street in the Brooklands area of Winnipeg. The proposed design incorporates mobility enhanced features and includes 20 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom units. Rents will be set at the current median market rent for Winnipeg with six units geared to income.

The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $176 million under the amended Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Manitoba, this represents some 40,700 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

HOMEWorks! is Manitoba’s long-term housing strategy. Under this strategy, the province, through Manitoba Housing with the financial support of the Government of Canada, continues to make significant investments in social and affordable housing. The province has promised the delivery of 1,500 affordable housing units across the province and has already committed to the development of more than 1,000 homes. HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s poverty-reduction strategy, by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans. More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

Contact Information

Media contacts:
Young Ong
Consultant, Marketing and Communications
CMHC
403-515-2962
[email protected]

Joe Czech
Communications Coordinator
Communications Services Manitoba
204-945-6778
[email protected]

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482