Joint Investment and Partnership Support Progress Toward Net-Zero Homelessness

Brandon, MB — The City of Brandon, in partnership with the Province of Manitoba, has released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and operation of new transitional and supportive housing at 705 Rideau St., marking a significant milestone in the community’s efforts to end homelessness.

705 Rideau St. has been identified as a key location for supportive housing, offering proximity to essential services, transit, and community amenities, including the Brandon Regional Health Centre and nearby greenspaces.

The proposed development envisions a multi-unit residential building, with up to 48 units, along with integrated supports to serve vulnerable populations in the community.

The City of Brandon is offering the municipally owned site for $1 to facilitate the development of a project designed to support individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally appropriate supports.

Through this initiative, Manitoba Housing & Renewal Corporation intends to participate by providing funding to support the success of this project, including potential Proposal Development Funding and capital funding, along with the possibility of operating and support service funding under the Housing Starts Here program.

In addition to provincial funding, the project may also benefit from municipal incentives through the City of Brandon’s Affordable Housing Incentive Program, which is supported by the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF), a Government of Canada initiative delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), further strengthening the overall viability of the development.

“Our government is committed to supporting communities as they build practical, locally driven responses to advance their housing priorities. Through the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are providing incentives to local governments to remove barriers to housing supply and address their housing needs." The Honourable 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.

“Supportive housing is about more than providing a roof over someone’s head, it’s about creating the conditions for success through stability, security and independence, so more Manitobans can thrive,” said Minister Bernadette Smith, Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness of Manitoba. “Our government is proud to be supporting the city of Brandon as we continue this historic surge in affordable housing across Manitoba.”

“This is an important step forward for Brandon,” said Mayor Jeff Fawcett. “By working together with all levels of government, we are creating real opportunities to deliver housing with supports that meet people where they are and help them move toward long-term stability. This demonstrates a strong and coordinated partnership to deliver much-needed housing solutions.”

Through the RFP process, the City and Province are seeking proposals from qualified non-profit organizations or Indigenous governments. Proposals can also include partnerships with other organizations that can demonstrate experience in housing development or the delivery of support services.

Additional information, including submission requirements and timelines, is available through the City of Brandon’s Purchasing & Tenders website at purchasing.brandon.ca.