New Seniors Housing Project Celebrates Grand Opening in Winkler Today

WINKLER, MANITOBA--(Marketwired - Sept. 16, 2016) - A new 96-unit seniors' housing project in Winkler has officially opened its doors to tenants. Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, on behalf of Manitoba Families Minister Scott Fielding, made the announcement today in Winkler.

The eight-storey, $26 million Buhler Active Living Centre (BALC) features an accessible design, with 48 affordable housing units, 24 market life-lease units, and 24 supportive housing units. The affordable housing units include 18 one-bedroom and 30 two-bedroom suites. The main floor includes a seniors' activity centre.

Quick facts:

• More than $2.8 million in funding for this project is sourced from the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.
• BALC Inc. is a non-profit organization that was formed in 2012 to oversee the design, construction and ongoing operation of this housing complex. The BALC is a seniors' community able to meet the changing health and wellness needs of senior residents. Unique programming will offer independent living and independent living with assistance.

Quotes:

• "All Canadians need and deserve housing that is safe, adequate and affordable. Our Government is committed to improving the quality of life for Canadians, including seniors, by providing better places to live. Congratulations to everyone involved in this new complex, and welcome home to the residents." - Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• "The grand opening of this building is an important milestone for seniors and the entire community of Winkler. We know that seniors live healthier and more active lives when surrounded by family and friends in a familiar neighbourhood. Manitoba's new government is a proud partner and we'd also like to recognize the dedication of the community members who have invested so much in making this property a reality." - Manitoba Finance Minister Cameron Friesen, on behalf of Manitoba Families Minister Scott Fielding
• "This project was a labor of love. Despite the many challenges on the road to completion, the board of directors never gave up. They were determined to provide a unique facility that was much needed and allow seniors in the City of Winkler and surrounding region an opportunity to age in place." - Walter Siemens, President, BALC Inc.

Associated links:

• CMHC has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC's operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.

• For more information about housing programs and services in Manitoba, visit www.gov.mb.ca/housing.

• Canadians are invited to help shape the National Housing Strategy by joining the conversation on www.LetsTalkHousing.ca. Your ideas will help shape the future of housing in Canada.

Stay connected:

• Follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• Connect with Manitoba Housing at: www.gov.mb.ca/housing