Mixed reactions to supportive housing project in Winnipeg

A plan to develop affordable housing on Sherburn Street in Winnipeg could result in the loss of a nearby park for families. Jeff Keele explains.

A strategy to house people on land owned by the city is getting mixed reviews.

A public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 20 to consider if the city should sell or lease five properties for a dollar so social housing organizations could use the sites for supportive housing.

The locations proposed are 546 Sherburn St., 626 Stella Ave., 2546 McPhillips St., 1168/1172 Plessis Rd. and 75 Poseidon Bay.

A report said the housing is intended for people moving from encampments and hospitals, youth leaving care, refugees and those with mental health needs.

The buildings would be three to four storeys, with 15 to 30 units that would include bathrooms and kitchenettes. Each building would also have an elevator and a ground floor space open to everyone.

Mayor Scott Gillingham campaigned on this model, which the city is doing in partnership with the province.

“I wanted to do the very thing that is being proposed here where we take City of Winnipeg property (and) make it available for housing,” Gillingham said.

Dozens have registered to speak at the public hearing in favour and in opposition of the plan.

At 546 Sherburn St., signs line a fence from community members who want the lot to stay green. Matt Salo, who lives down the street, is one of them.

“It’s a park, and more than that it’s a backyard for the neighbourhood,” Salo said.

Salo said there are other spaces in the neighbourhood that could be used instead. He’s even in favour of setting up supportive housing in the parking lot behind the park.

“We have tonnes of empty lots and empty building in the West End,” Salo said. “They’re begging to be redeveloped, and it just seems like this is the low hanging fruit.”

Christina Maes Nino, executive director of the Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association, is registered to speak in favour of the proposal.

“We’re really excited that the city is taking this pretty bold step,” Maes Nino said.

She said community settings are the best place to help people get off the streets, where services, resources and neighbours exist.

“There are people experiencing homelessness everywhere in Winnipeg now,” Maes Nino said. “They’re already your neighbours. They’re either going to be outside in tents or they’re going to be in a safe supportive environment.”

The original public hearing on the matter was adjourned last month as councillors wanted more information before voting on the plan.