Winnipeg, MB – Following the first round of applications to the Capital Grant Program under the Housing Accelerator Fund, the City of Winnipeg received 66 funding applications with requests totaling over $160 million. The first round of the Capital Grant Program will be awarding $25 million to qualified projects, with a focus on affordable housing projects and projects located Downtown.
“The strong interest in the Capital Grant Program demonstrates Winnipeg's readiness and commitment to rapidly develop affordable, sustainable housing,” said the Honourable Dan Vandal, Government of Canada, Minister of Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for PrairiesCan on behalf of The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “Our Government is dedicated to bridging the housing supply gap, and the Housing Accelerator Fund is instrumental in making this vision a reality. By focusing the initial round of funding towards Downtown projects, we are strategically addressing the areas with the greatest need and ensuring that Winnipeggers can afford to live in proximity to where they work and play.”
“This level of interest in the Capital Grant Program is a tremendous sign that local developers and community organizations have the capacity and are eager to work with government on addressing a serious need for more housing in Winnipeg,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.
“I think the amount of interest in creating real and affordable housing in our city showcases Winnipeg's innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Councillor Sherri Rollins, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development. “There is a willingness on the part of these developers and community groups to take a leadership role in solving a complex problem facing Winnipeggers.”
The Housing Accelerator Fund team is screening applications for eligibility and expects to notify successful applicants in early September. The City plans to announce further capital grant opportunities in the coming months, pending direction from Council.
As part of the review process, the City is consulting with partners at the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), End Homelessness Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Foundation, and Manitoba Housing to explore any further available funding for qualified projects.
In December 2023, the Government of Canada and City of Winnipeg announced $122.4 million in funding for new housing in Winnipeg, under CMHC’s Housing Accelerator Fund. This funding is expected to fast track the development of 3,166 new housing units by 2027, including at least 931 affordable housing units. The Capital Grant Program is one of the key action items proposed by the City in its application to the Housing Accelerator Fund.
More information on the Housing Accelerator Fund and the City’s other key action items is available at: Housing Accelerator Fund | City of Winnipeg.