Fifteen new infill homes for city’s North End: stabilize neighbourhoods and provide hope

The Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative has announced the construction of 15 new homes and the renovation of four rental units for low- to moderate-income residents in the William Whyte and North Point Douglas neighbourhoods. 

In addition, grants will be made available to improve properties. 

The North End projects are being helped out by over $1.4 million in funding cost-shared by the Canadian, provincial and city governments. Total project costs are estimated at $2.2 million.

All the projects have the support of the North End Community Renewal Corporation.

“These are exciting times for Winnipeg’s North End affordable housing market,” said Winnipeg South MP and Treasury Board president Reg Alcock. “The addition of these new and rehabilitated units will not only increase the availability of safe, affordable housing in the area, but they will also help to stabilize the neighbourhood and provide hope for those wanting to own their home.”

The North End Housing Project will construct 15 affordable and energy-efficient homes over three phases: 10 houses in William Whyte and five houses in North Point Douglas. 

The homes will be a mix of two-storey, three-bedroom designs and all will meet Manitoba Hydro R2000 standards for energy efficiency and indoor air quality. 

The new homes are being constructed on vacant lots in the neighbourhoods and will be sold to low- to moderate-income residents. All 15 homes are expected to be completed by December 31 this year at a total project cost estimated at $1.9 million. 

The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation has purchased and is making $284,000 in renovations to a vacant and boarded up four-plex 

consisting of four, two-bedroom units at 186 Salter St. in William Whyte. Exterior work will include the installation of a parking lot, fencing and landscaping. 

WHRC will manage the renovated property.

The North End Community Renewal Corporation will provide individual grants totaling $120,000 to property owners in William Whyte and North Point Douglas aimed at improving the exterior appearance and/or function of the houses and land. 

Homeowners are required to contribute a minimum amount toward their project while landlords are offered a matching grant for the projects they complete on their properties. 

Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed approximately $58 million that has or will contribute to the repair, rehabilitation or construction of over 2,500 units and 137 rooms or beds, as well as assist the homeless or those at risk of being homeless.