October 01, 2004

WABOWDEN — New homes will be built by the province for the first time in over 10 years in northern Manitoba under the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), Manitoba Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick and federal Labour and Housing Minister Joe Fontana announced today.

“As this is one of the areas of most critical need, we are creating affordable housing in northern communities in Manitoba,” said Melnick.  “These projects also support our Northern Housing Strategy which is a long-term plan created with key northern and Aboriginal organizations to address the unique needs of the North.”

In this first stage of the northern housing building program, 10 new homes are being constructed:  four houses on Mulholland Street and Lakeside Street in Wabowden and three homes each in Camperville and Duck Bay on vacant lots owned by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation.  The projects, with total costs of up to $1.5 million, will utilize a unique construction technique that better meets the challenges of the northern climate.

“These homes demonstrate another unified effort between governments and the community to address housing needs for people of this region,” said  Fontana.  “Through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative, the Government of Canada is working alongside the community and partners to provide the citizens of northern Manitoba with safe, affordable accommodations.”

When completed, the homes will be available for rent, rent-to-own and for sale to low- and moderate-income families or eligible buyers.  The projects are being supported with approximately $550,000 in funding from the governments of Manitoba and Canada.  The balance of the costs—up to $950,000—is being provided through the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, a Manitoba Crown corporation.

All of the new homes will feature panelized housing technology which may be used to complement traditional building methods.  Panelized homes allow for ease of construction, energy efficiency, durability and improved mould resistance. 

This technology was used as part of an innovative project called the Northern Model House, located in Thompson and designed and built in partnership with northern communities and organizations, the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, the City of Thompson and Manitoba Hydro.  The technology used in the house proved to be faster and easier to assemble.  The design is more accessible to people with disabilities and the house exceeded Power Smart R2000 standards.

The governments of Canada and Manitoba have each contributed $25.4 million to the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative to increase the supply of affordable housing in Manitoba.  It is anticipated that contributions from municipalities, the private and voluntary sectors, co‑operatives and charities will significantly increase the scope of this initiative in Manitoba. 

Funding under the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative flows through provincially designed programs that support new rental housing,  home ownership opportunities and the rehabilitation or conversion of existing housing. 

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HOUSING SUPPORT DETAILS

Government of Canada

·         The Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) 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 AHI will create up to 2,500 units over five years.

·         The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) helps low-income households and landlords make necessary repairs to bring their properties up to acceptable health and safety standards.  RRAP 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.  Manitoba administers the program.

Government of Manitoba

·         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.  The Manitoba government has committed almost $3.7 million to Neighbourhoods Alive! in the 2004 budget to develop local capacity, innovative training and provide a fund through which local neighbourhoods can implement their revitalization plans.