New Affordable Housing Project Opens in Winnipeg

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, September 10, 2007 — The paint is barely dry but tenants have already moved into 1 Flora Place, the brand new affordable housing development in Winnipeg’s Dufferin neighbourhood. The project, which officially opened today, is owned and managed by the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation.

Family Services and Housing Minister Gord Mackintosh, Kildonan – St. Paul MP Joy Smith and Councillor Mike Pagtakhan, presided over the grand opening ceremony.

“This project, which will see the replacement of temporary war-time houses with modern homes, is bringing about community renewal for this neighbourhood, which is seeing one of the largest public investments in housing in Winnipeg's North End in the past decade,” said Minister Mackintosh.

 “Canada’s New Government is committed to helping create new affordable housing across Manitoba for those who need it most,” said MP Smith, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We are pleased to be working with our partners to help those individuals and families in Winnipeg who are working towards building a better and stronger future.”

“Flora Place will become a welcome place for people making a home in this wonderful new development,” said Councillor Mike Pagtakhan. “The city is committed to work with our other government partners to provide safe, new, and affordable housing for citizens living in older neighbourhoods.”

Flora Place features 28 new townhouses, developed in a “cluster” design concept creating a sense of community within the complex. The bungalow-style units have individual entrances, fenced back yards and each unit has its own covered front porch. All units are “visitable” by people with mobility-related issues and four of the units are fully accessible. The project is supported with $3.5 million of funding from the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI).

Flora Place has not only revitalized and strengthened the neighbourhood but also provided affordable housing to the citizens of Winnipeg.

“It took a long time for Flora Place to come together but it finally did and looks great,” said Menno Peters, WHRC General Manager. “The funding assistance from the WHHI allowed us to pool the efforts of many people including WHRC Board and staff to make this project a reality. It has made a difference in the Dufferin neighbourhood.”

The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) was founded by an order in Council of the City of Winnipeg in the late 1970's. WHRC is a private non-profit organization that develops and manages affordable housing in Winnipeg. During the last three decades WHRC has developed over 700 housing units for Winnipeg residents. WHRC's housing projects include renovated warehouses, apartment buildings, single family homes, duplexes and triplexes. WHRC focus has been on the revitalization of Winnipeg's inner city neighbourhoods.

For more information about WHRC and its programs call 204-949-2880.

WHHI funding is co-ordinated by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $99 million to repair, rehabilitate, or construct over 4,000 housing units as well as assist those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

For more information, please call:

Menno Peters
Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation
204-949-2880

Jacquie Sippola
Service Canada/WHHI
204-983-2295