Winnipeg, MB – We have released the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment with key findings on current housing needs in Winnipeg.
“This report confirms the scale of Winnipeg’s housing need and why we’ve pushed so hard on zoning reform, faster permitting, infrastructure investment, and making city land available,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Every one of these changes is about creating more homes for more people.”
“Winnipeg is growing, and expanding affordable housing is essential to sustaining that momentum,” said Councillor Evan Duncan, Chairman of the Standing Policy Committee on Property & Development. “When families and young people can find attainable homes, they put down roots, support local businesses, and strengthen our city. This report helps guide smart growth and long-term housing affordability across Winnipeg.”
“The data in the Housing Needs Assessment provides hard numbers to what we know to be true to the on-the-ground realities of renters and non-profit organizations that work in housing: the need in Winnipeg is desperate for very low-income households, and massive for low-income households, especially single individuals,” said Christina Maes-Nino, Executive Director, Manitoba Non-Profit Housing Association. “Government programs, resources, and attention therefore should be dedicated to increasing the supply of housing with rents affordable to these households. Core housing need for these households will increase dramatically in the next 10 years if things remain status quo.”
The report was guided by input from:
- Groups with specific expertise and lived experience related to housing.
- Advisory committee made up of internal and external subject matter experts.
The report finds:
- Approximately 11% of the population are in core housing need. Core housing need means a household cannot get housing that is affordable, adequate and suitable for their needs.
- Many Winnipeggers struggle to find a home that meets their needs, especially renters and larger families.
- Winnipeg is losing older homes – especially more affordable homes – due to age, deterioration, vacancy, and fires. Many more are at risk of being lost.
- More than 2,400 people are experiencing homelessness in Winnipeg – the highest count to date.
The Housing Needs Assessment lists key populations most impacted by housing need. These groups include households led by:
- Low-income individuals
- Single-mothers
- Newcomers
- Indigenous people
- Individuals under age 24
- Individuals over age 85
Key findings of the report can be viewed in the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment – At a Glance Report. The full document is available at winnipeg.ca/housingneeds.
Public invited to info session
Residents interested in learning more and discussing the findings of the report are invited to participate in a virtual info session. Participants will hear directly from the project team and can ask questions about the report. Registration is required.
When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Registration: Link available at winnipeg.ca/housingneeds