City of Winnipeg takes deep dive into housing needs

A new report shows one-in-10 people in Winnipeg are unable to get housing that meets their needs.

The City of Winnipeg has taken a deep dive into the housing needs.

On Friday, the city released the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment – a 263-page report looking at the current housing needs in Winnipeg.

“This report confirms the scale of Winnipeg’s housing need and why we’ve pushed so hard on zoning reform, faster permitting, infrastructure investment, and making city land available,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a news release.

Among its findings, the report said the city is growing at its fastest rate in recent history, and with it, demand for starter homes and larger rental homes.

However, the city is losing its older homes.

“These older homes are also more likely to be ‘naturally occurring ‘ affordable housing,” the report reads, noting these homes are at risk of being lost due to age, deterioration, vacancy, and fires.

It found homes in lower-income neighbourhoods are more likely to be demolished, while the city is also seeing a rapid drop in the number of rooming houses.

“Which is putting lower-income residents at greater risk of homelessness,” the report reads.

Finding the right home is also difficult for many Winnipeggers, according to the report, which said renters and larger families are often struggling to find a place that fits their needs.

“Winnipeg is growing, and expanding affordable housing is essential to sustaining that momentum,” Coun. Evan Duncan, chair of the city’s property and development committee, said in a release.

“When families and young people can find attainable homes, they put down roots, support local businesses, and strengthen our city. This report helps guide smart growth and long-term housing affordability across Winnipeg.”

The city is set to hold a virtual information session so Winnipeggers can learn more about the report. It is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is available online.

You can read the full 2025 Housing Needs Assessment here.