New Winnipeg housing grants to create thousands of new homes, $1.6 billion in construction

Tens of millions of dollars from a city and federal partnership is set to create thousands of new homes in Winnipeg.

The funds are coming through the Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Program—an incentive program that provides grants directly to developers to create more housing.

The city is awarding $25 million in capital grants to 12 local housing projects focused on affordable housing and developments in downtown Winnipeg.

According to the city, these projects will create 1,418 new housing units with 633 affordable units.

Another 16 housing development projects will get $33.5 million in tax increment financing through the city’s Affordable Housing Now program.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said this approach attracts private investment, supports local developments and helps to build vibrant neighbourhoods.

“Nearly 2,500 new homes are on their way, with about half designated as affordable, deeply affordable or rent geared to income units. This is critical because every family deserves the security of a home that they can afford regardless of income,” he said.

The list of 12 projects receiving money from the Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Grant Program is available on the city’s website.

North End Women’s Centre is one of the recipients. The money will add a much-needed transitional housing component to its Selkirk Avenue facility, with eight units of rent geared to income housing with immediate, on-site access to critical services, resources, and programming.

Executive Director Cynthia Drebot said the city has been at a crisis point for homelessness for many years, and the new facility will double the centre’s capacity.

“(Women) often do not feel safe going to shelters and they tell us that they’re often assaulted when they’re in those spaces, and our gender-based violence shelters are often full, so there isn’t the option to leave in those situations.”

This is the second round of grants doled out through the Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Grant Program. The new awardees applied through the initial intake period, the city said, when there were 66 total applications and requests for about $160 million in funding.

The first round distributed $25 million to 11 projects.

Sports and PrairiesCan Minister Terry Duguid said it’s wonderful to see the impacts of the fund across the city.

“Projects like these will help young people find affordable homes and create vibrant, inclusive communities where all families, especially the next generation, can thrive and build their future.”