October 30, 2003

Thompson residents will have access to more safe and affordable housing when 36 apartment units are fully renovated and upgraded with $756,000 in funding assistance from the governments of Canada and Manitoba.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Honourable Drew Caldwell, Minister of Manitoba Family Services and Housing and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, and MLA Doug Martindale, Legislative Assistant to the Housing Minister. Total costs, when combined with a contribution from the project owner, amount to $963,000.

"This partnership between federal and provincial governments and the private sector demonstrates how we can work together to address the housing needs of Thompson’s residents," said Secretary of State Mahoney. "Successes like this are key to developing strong communities, not just here in Manitoba, but across Canada."

"The joint effort of governments, the community and the project owner means low- and moderate-income families will be able to move into much-improved apartments, which also helps strengthen families," Minister Caldwell added.

"The Manitoba Government is pleased to support an effective community partnership that will improve housing in an area of Thompson that needs revitalization," Martindale said.

The project, funded through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), involves the complete renovation of two apartment buildings at 25 and 39 Laval Place in Thompson, which are about 35 years old. The major rehabilitation includes structural repairs as well as replacement of the roof and upgrades to the fire, health and safety components of both buildings. There are 30 two-bedroom suites and six one-bedroom apartments in the two buildings. When completed, rents will range from $454 to $499 per month.

"We are extremely happy to be part of this funding announcement, supporting a project that will create much-needed neighbourhood improvements," said Gary Lewis, President of the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. "This project is the direct result of residents identifying local needs and then collaborating on ideas to improve the quality of life in Thompson neighbourhoods."

In other programs, the governments of Canada and Manitoba will each contribute $25.4 million to increase the supply of affordable housing in the province through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). In addition, the governments of Canada and Manitoba annually cost share the $6 million in funding under the Canada-Manitoba Housing Renovation Program. It is anticipated that contributions from municipalities, the private and voluntary sectors, co-operatives and charities will significantly increase the scope of these initiatives in Manitoba.

Funding under the Canada-Manitoba AHI flows through provincially designed programs that support new rental housing and homeownership opportunities and the rehabilitation or conversion of existing housing. As well, $6 million will be dedicated to housing in remote areas.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Manitoba Family Services and Housing are working co-operatively with the Thompson Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation to revitalize housing in the city.

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• The Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement was signed in September 2002 and provides $50.8 million, over five years, to help increase the supply of affordable rental units and new housing available in the province. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, has contributed $25.4 million, which is matched by the Province of Manitoba. It is anticipated the Agreement will create 2,500 units over five years.
• The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program helps low-income households and landlords make necessary repairs to bring their properties up to acceptable health and safety standards. The program, which is administered by Manitoba, is cost-shared 75/25 per cent respectively by the federal government, through CMHC, and by the provincial government, through Manitoba Family Services and Housing.

• Through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative, Manitoba has committed $25.4 million to further increase support for the development of safe and affordable housing. Funding support under the New Rental Supply, New Homeownership Supply, Repair/Conversion and Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance programs is available to support housing proposals.
• The Manitoba government has also committed close to $2 million annually to its share of federal renovation programs, including the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and the Shelter Enhancement Program.
• Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term development strategy that provides community groups in designated areas of Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson with the support they need for programs in the areas of housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, safety, and crime prevention. In the 2003 budget, the Manitoba government has committed $3.7 million to Neighbourhoods Alive! to develop local capacity and innovative training, and provide a fund through which local neighbourhoods can implement their revitalization plans.