FRANCAIS

April 13, 2006

The proceeds from suburban residential development on lands owned by the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation (MHRC) would be reinvested in areas in need of housing revitalization as a result of proposed legislation introduced today by Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick.

 “This legislation puts into law our commitment to directing profits from suburban residential developments into creating more housing options for people with low incomes,” said Melnick.  “By continuing to develop Manitoba Housing and Renewal’s land banks and also redirecting profits into needy areas such as Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods, we can further strengthen families, while helping to build vibrant communities.”

 Manitoba Family Services and Housing, through MHRC, has a number of significant land holdings in the city, such as Waverley West in southwest Winnipeg, to help create more housing. 

 The proposed amendments to the Housing and Renewal Act would establish a new housing and development fund which would utilize a criteria-based approach to support housing projects in areas of need.  This would allow MHRC to redirect profits to improve housing, including building new homes or renovating and rebuilding existing housing. 

 Profits of approximately $1 million from the Royalwood subdivision in Winnipeg are now available for improvements in the inner city.  Issues taken into consideration in determining areas of housing need and eligibility for support include:

·         social and economic factors;

·         the type, age and quality of existing housing;

·         vacant housing or vacant lots;

·         the type, age and amount of rental housing; and

·         the extent of any housing renewal efforts already being conducted in the area.

Since 2000, Manitoba and its federal and municipal partners have committed close to $72 million to the repair, renovation and construction of more than 2,900 units of quality housing for low- and moderate-income people in Winnipeg.  Funding is co-ordinated through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative and addresses homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods. 

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