Province, city of Brandon take next step in strategy to create more safe, affordable housing

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Published on Monday, March 31, 2014

myWestman.ca

The Manitoba government and the City of Brandon have forged a partnership to create more affordable housing and will seek community groups to help develop five new sites.

"Safe, affordable housing is the most important need for all families and, by working together, we can create options that best suit Brandon's priorities," said Premier Greg Selinger in a release. "As we launch this new partnership we are also celebrating the completion of our 2009 commitment to build 1,500 new affordable housing units and 1,500 new social housing units.  Furthermore, this new partnership is the first step toward our Budget 2014 promise to build another 500 affordable and 500 social housing units in the next three years."

"Providing opportunities which allow for the provision of safe, affordable housing in Brandon is such an important piece of our Roadmap For Growth Strategic Plan," said Brandon Councillor Jan Chaboyer on behalf of the City of Brandon. "The implementation of an Affordable Housing First Land Policy allowed us to designate city-owned property for the development of affordable housing and, now, this partnership with the Province of Manitoba will bring together the two critical elements required for successful affordable housing projects."

"The Brandon Neighborhood Renewal Corporation is extremely pleased and excited about this partnership that will provide critical affordable housing in Brandon," said Marty Snelling, general manager of the corporation.  "Brandon families, single -parent families and seniors will benefit long term through this partnership.  This is welcome news with rising housing costs for home ownership, rental situations and the seniors housing crunch."

The new partnership will see the City of Brandon contribute property at no cost while Manitoba Housing and Community Development will provide funding toward these affordable housing projects, Premier Selinger said.  The city and province will jointly engage community groups to develop these projects through upcoming requests for proposals.  

Some locations will be designated for single-family homes and others will be multi-unit buildings.  The new housing will be for low- to moderate-income renters and homeowners, especially families, seniors and vulnerable populations who require additional supports to maintain their housing.

With files from Manitoba news release