Province injects millions into Manitoba Housing renovations
By: Staff Writer
The province is doubling its commitment to a total of $48 million to rejuvenate Manitoba Housing stock.
In a news release this morning, the province said it will create jobs, improve energy efficiency, enhance accessibility and improve the lives of tenants during the second year of its Building Foundations strategy.
Among the renovations to be completed across the province are 893 units in Brandon and Winnipeg that house 2,000 people. This includes 61 family townhouses in Brandon ($4.5 million), complete refurbishment of Gilbert Park ($9 million), Selkirk Park ($15 million) and Central Park ($9 million) in Winnipeg.
In 2008-09, 92 renovation projects will get underway outside of Winnipeg while 63 will be completed in the capital city. For 2009-10, 106 renovation projects will be done outside Winnipeg while 40 will be done in the city.
For many of these homes, it will be the first time they have been upgraded. Work will include new flooring, cupboards, patching and painting. The renovations will also increase energy efficiency and reduce water consumption with Energy Star appliances, energy-efficient heating and lighting, insulation upgrades and low-flush toilets.
To bolster local jobs for residents, the building rejuvenations will involve community employment programs that help low-income families to move from welfare to work.
To ease the transition for tenants, the plan includes a communication strategy with regular updates about the renovations and moves, and relocation costs will be covered by Manitoba Housing.
The capital investment is part of the infrastructure stimulus announced in the provincial government’s economic statement and throne speech on Nov. 20.
The province estimates that for every $1 million invested in renovations, 30 jobs are created and $1.5 million is added to the GDP.
---
Includes developments in Winnipeg, but majority is outside.