View From the Legislature

This month our government took a big step in helping Manitoba families become homeowners following a $1-million investment in affordable home ownership projects.

This type of investment will make home ownership a reality for dozens of families who may have otherwise thought it was out of their reach. The goal is to foster innovative community and private-sector partnerships that promote practical home ownership and create life-changing opportunities for Manitobans, such as the collaboration between the Manitoba Real Estate Association and Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs.

Three affordable home ownership projects were selected following a competitive request for proposals. The participating organizations will select eligible families, who will then receive financial assistance to help with down payments, legal fees and closing costs. Up to 51 low-to-moderate income households are expected to participate.

The funded projects include: the Canadian Mental Health Association Westman Region Inc. ($261,000 to four households), SEED Winnipeg Inc. ($199,000 to 37 households), and Manitoba Tipi Mitawa Inc. ($540,000 to 10 households). This investment will allow more families to realize the dream of homeownership, and will help contribute to building a stable foundation and vibrancy in our communities and neighbourhoods for generations to come.

Funding for these projects was provided through the federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) agreement. In 2016, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced an expanded commitment to the IAH agreement, representing almost $90 million over two years. The new funding is in addition to approximately $166 million in joint eight-year funding to help create more affordable housing options in Manitoba. Additional information can be found at gov.mb.ca and realestatemanitoba.com.