New 45-Unit Apartment Complex Offers Safe, Affordable Homes for Adults and Families With Mental Health Needs

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - Concordia Village IV, a new 45-unit apartment complex for adults and families with mental health needs, was officially opened in Winnipeg today by Manitoba Housing and Community Development Minister Mohinder Saran and Member of Parliament Lawrence Toet, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development).

The new apartment building is located within the Concordia Village Campus at the corner of Molson St. and Kimberley Ave. It includes 19 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units with a multi-purpose room, reception waiting area and office space for program services on the main floor.

Quick facts:

• Eden Health Care Services Inc. will provide appropriate support services on-site for individuals recovering from mental health issues. The programs will be managed in partnership with Concordia Wellness Projects Inc. (CWPI) and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Mental Health Program to maximize the effectiveness of the existing support system.
• This integrated housing project includes 22 affordable housing units leased at median market rates and 23 units with rent geared to income. A total of 16 units will be available for people with mental health concerns, at either rental rate. The new apartment complex meets Manitoba Hydro Power Smart standards and is designed to meet the differing needs and requirements of its residents, including those with mobility issues.
• The $11.1 million capital cost of the project was jointly funded by the governments of Canada and Manitoba, with $40,000 from Eden Health Care Services Inc. Government funding has been provided under the $62-million federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH) agreement.
• As part of the IAH agreement, the two governments each contributed $10.35 million in annual funding to support housing projects benefitting more than 2,100 low-to-moderate income Manitoba households, through:
  • new construction of nearly 300 affordable rental housing units in a number of communities, including Winnipeg, Brandon, Dauphin and Winkler;
  • new construction of sixteen affordable home ownership units;
  • repair and renovation of more than 1,100 privately owned housing units; and
  • rent supplement assistance for approximately 700 low-income households.
• In July 2014, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced a five-year extension to the IAH agreement. This joint investment will provide an additional combined $104 million over five years to support further affordable and social housing programs.

Quotes:

"Having a safe, affordable place to live and ready access to support services is essential for people dealing with mental health conditions. By making these critical investments in supportive housing, we're helping people gain stability and independence in their lives, while also building stronger, healthier communities."

- Honourable Mohinder Saran, Minister of Manitoba Housing and Community Development

"I am pleased that our Government's continued investment in housing is improving the lives of Winnipeggers. The 45 new units at Concordia Village will be a safe and affordable place to call home for adults and families with mental health needs."

- Lawrence Toet, Member of Parliament for Elmwood-Transcona, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development) and Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar

"We see safe, affordable housing as a fundamental right, Integrated and appropriately resourced housing allows even the most vulnerable among us to recover good health, find meaningful employment and relationships in the community."

- James Friesen, CEO of Eden Health Care Services

Associated links:

- Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca.

- The Manitoba government recently reached its five-year goal to provide funding commitments to create 1,500 new units of affordable housing throughout the province. The province is now working toward its new commitment to create another 500 affordable and 500 social housing units in the next three years. Manitoba Housing and Community Development's overall strategy complements Budget 2015, a plan to create good jobs, grow the economy and protect front-line services by focusing on what matters most to Manitoba families. More information is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

Stay connected:

- Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca

- Connect with Manitoba Housing at: www.gov.mb.ca/housing