City receives an additional $12.8 million for local housing projects that support Winnipeg’s vulnerable population

Released: July 29, 2021 at 9:47 a.m.

Proponents can now submit an expression of interest for project funding through Round 2 of the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative

Winnipeg, MB – The City of Winnipeg is receiving an additional $12.8 million of capital funding from the federal government under Round 2 of the Rapid Housing Initiative. The funding, which is being distributed through the Major Cities Stream of the program, will be used to expedite the delivery of affordable housing units to vulnerable people and populations targeted under the National Housing Strategy, especially those affected by COVID-19. In the second phase of the housing project, 51 affordable homes will be built in 12 months or less.

In addition to projects the City of Winnipeg is already aware of, the City is inviting proponents – which includes non-profits, businesses, developers, citizens, or anyone with great ideas that could help to address homelessness in Winnipeg — to identify any projects currently planned that may fit the parameters of the Rapid Housing Initiative and to submit an initial expression of interest detailing their project by Thursday, August 5, 2021. Proponents can submit a project description through the submission form available at winnipeg.ca/rapidhousinginitiative.

“I’m grateful to the federal government for providing direct funding support to municipalities through another round of the Rapid Housing Initiative,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “This second intake is aimed at creating an estimated 51 units and with housing needs across the entire spectrum of housing in our city, this funding will help address that.”

“Every person deserves access to safe and affordable housing,” said Councillor Cindy Gilroy, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage, and Downtown Development. “This further contribution by the federal government to the Rapid Housing Initiative will make a tangible impact through the projects it supports and will help more members of our community find a place to call home.”

The City recognizes the timelines are very compressed to meet the rapid timelines and targets set out by RHI. Any individual project must contain a minimum of 5 units/beds and meet all program requirements including affordability as defined by CMHC. Please visit the CMHC website for complete information on Rapid Housing Initiative program requirements.

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