Groundbreaking Marks the Start of New Market Housing Development in Downtown Brandon
Brandon, MB - Representatives from the City of Brandon, Keller Group, Sneath Keller Development, as well as project and community partners gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new residential market housing development in downtown Brandon at 1200 Pacific Ave.
The project is the first project to break ground utilizing funding from the City of Brandon's Downtown Market Housing Incentive Program (DMHIP), which is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a Government of Canada initiative delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This development will contribute to Brandon's growing housing inventory while supporting downtown revitalization efforts.
Through this development, the City will provide CMHC housing accelerator funded incentives of approximately $936,000 in construction milestone payments and offset eligible development charges estimated at over $230,000. In addition, the City will provide a grant that will offset 20-years of incremental municipal property taxes generated by the development. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
“Our government is committed to helping communities tackle local housing priorities. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are providing incentives to local governments to remove barriers to housing supply and accelerate the creation of new homes. I’m thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of 1200 Pacific Avenue that will bring much-needed units to the community," said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.
“This project represents the type of partnership and investment needed to address housing needs in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “Through collaboration between the federal and municipal governments and the private sector, we are helping create more housing options while strengthening Brandon's downtown. This development demonstrates how targeted incentives and strong partnerships can turn housing goals into real projects that benefit our community for years to come.”
"This project is a great example of what can happen when organizations come together around a shared vision for downtown," said Amanda Dupuis, Community Housing and Wellness Programmer with the City of Brandon. "We're excited to work alongside the many businesses, organizations, and community leaders helping make downtown Brandon an even more vibrant place to live, work, and build community."
“We are excited to start on this development, which will bring 72 new rental homes to Brandon, including 36 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom, and 18 three-bedroom units to help meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families,” said Evan Keller, Keller Group. “The support available through the DMHIP has helped make this development possible. We are proud to be investing in Brandon's downtown and contributing to the community's long-term housing supply.”
“Since moving to Brandon in 2013, we are proud to have played a significant role in the revitalization of Brandon's historic downtown,” said Robyn Sneath, CEO, Sneath Group. “Some notable past projects include the redevelopment of the historic Bass Building, the Chrest Fraser Block (SKIN Clinics), and Prairie Lofts. The Eddy is their first new construction we have undertaken in Brandon's downtown. After using 1200 Pacific as a parking lot and storage warehouse for the past decade, we are excited about redeveloping it into residential units together with the Keller Group."