The City of Winnipeg is taking a big step to increase the number of affordable housing spaces in the community. Mayor Scott Gillingham announced Monday five new properties will be built on city-owned land, adding almost 700 new units for people to live in. Of the nearly 700 units, 270 will be affordable housing. “Housing is one of the most urgent challenges facing our city,” Gillingham said. “For Winnipeg to grow, for our neighborhoods to thrive, for families to feel secure, people need safe, affordable places to call home.” The projects are slated for Tache Avenue, Osborne Street, and Pembina Highway, along with two on Watt Street. The project on Tache Avenue is a 65-unit apartment building with on-site disability support services, which will be developed by Réseau Compassion Network. “We started to dream about building such a place, an intentional, accessible, affordable and inclusive living environment where people with physical disabilities could create natural and meaningful connections that would alleviate loneliness and isolation and support their own their overall well-being,” said Daniel Lussier with Réseau Compassion Network. “It’s about providing opportunities and encouraging true belonging.” The development on Pembina Highway will be overseen by Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, the Osborne Street building will be overseen by the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation. The Watt Street buildings will be developed by Futuremark Development and the Elmwood Community Resource Centre. Construction will start within one year, the city said.
