Province and City Partner to Invest in New Affordable Seniors Housing


January 18, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Released in partnership by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Brandon

The Manitoba government committed to fund a new housing project in Brandon that will provide seniors with a new and affordable choice, ensuring they can remain a vibrant part of the community, Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran announced today.

“The Manitoba government and the City of Brandon recognize the need for more affordable housing units for seniors in the community and are working together to make this a reality,” said Minister Saran.

This project is part of an ongoing partnership established in 2014 to jointly develop affordable housing in the community.  The Manitoba government will provide conditional funding of up to $65,000 per affordable housing unit to a maximum 48 units, or more than $3.1 million.  The City of Brandon will provide the property at 2105 Brandon Ave. at no cost.

“This city council is very committed to these types of affordable housing options, which not only encourage infill development, but create integrated neighbourhoods by combining subsidized, affordable, and market rental units all under one roof,” said Mayor Rick Chrest, City of Brandon.  “When we partner with the province on these types of developments, we are able to remove two of the largest barriers that not-for-profit groups often face when developing affordable housing, that being land and funding.”

Following a public application process to develop this site, the Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-op Ltd. was selected.

“We are very pleased to have been selected to develop 2105 Brandon Ave.,” said Marie Hamilton, president, Western Manitoba Seniors Non-Profit Housing Co-op Ltd.  “This is a vote of confidence in our co-op and senior volunteers and we look forward to this project becoming an important resource for the community.  This property will provide safe, secure, accessible and affordable housing to more low-income seniors and extend the legacy that started with our first project on McDiarmid Drive.”

Co-operative housing charges will be set at affordable rent levels for Brandon.  Rent supplement assistance will also be available so units can be offered with rent geared to income for qualifying families.

“This new 48-unit project will create another option for local seniors who are looking for safe, secure, affordable and accessible housing,” said Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell at an event today in Brandon on behalf of Minister Saran.

The new units will meet government standards for accessibility and qualify under the Manitoba Hydro Power Smart New Buildings program. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be ready for tenants in late 2017, the minister said.     

The minister noted this project is part of the Manitoba government’s commitment to add 500 new affordable housing units and 500 new social housing units across the province.