Increasing by $12.7 million, the new budget for Manitoba Housing will include much more than regular maintenance.

The province is announcing a $31 million investment into Manitoba Housing.

Families Minister Heather Stefanson says that a large investment will prepare 800 vacant housing units in Manitoba for new tenants.

“We are committed to ensuring a safe and suitable range of housing options are available to lower-income Manitobans when they need it," Stefanson says.

Repairs and routine maintenance are part of the province's $31-million announcement, but improvements and renovations are also on the to-do list.

Investing $29.6 million towards renovations, repairs and routine maintenance, the province will be refreshing units and common areas, making safety improvements, and other repairs in 400 units in Winnipeg, and 800 units overall in Manitoba.

The provinces $29.6 million plan includes:

• refreshing individual units or common areas;
• life and safety improvements, such as new fire alarms or carbon monoxide detectors;
• replacing appliances, doors or windows;
• snow removal, yard work and related work;
• accessibility improvements;
• heating, cooling and ventilation projects; and
• structural upgrades or repairs.

Included in the $31-milion announcement is an additional $2 million currently being invested in security upgrades.

“This is an important investment for Manitobans who need affordable housing during these unprecedented times,” Stefanson says. This funding will support upgrades and repairs in units and properties across the province, benefiting hundreds of tenants.”

Exterior lighting, intercoms and alarm systems, and 320 security cameras have been added to seven Winnipeg properties:

  • Dufferin Avenue
  • Kennedy Street (two properties)
  • Nassau Street
  • Osborne Street
  • Marion Street
  • Young Street 

The province says 1,025 housing units are benefiting from the security upgrades.

“This multi-million dollar commitment supports tenants and the community, and reflects Manitoba’s plan to responsibly manage provincial assets.”

The investment, according to the province, is to support the overall economic recovery in Manitoba that is resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The province says the budget for Manitoba Housing has nearly tripled in the past four years, going from $13.1 million in 2015-2016 to $36 million in 2019-2020.