The federal and Manitoba governments, in partnership with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, and the city will invest about $51 million altogether in a 150-unit apartment development in Winnipeg.

The project, located at 2675 Portage Avenue, will deliver secure, apartment-style homes in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Wholly owned by Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the development marks the First Nation’s first housing project in Winnipeg and is being positioned as an example of economic reconciliation through Indigenous-led development.

The funding forms part of Ottawa’s broader push to address Canada’s housing shortage through the Build Canada Homes initiative, aimed at accelerating affordable housing construction, reducing homelessness and increasing supply across the housing continuum. The program emphasizes partnerships with provinces, municipalities and Indigenous communities, alongside private developers, to expand access to affordable housing.

The City of Winnipeg is contributing $2 million to the project through its Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Grant Incentive program. The city recently received its third installment of more than $30.6 million under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, which supports municipal efforts to cut red tape and speed up housing development. Winnipeg’s housing action plan includes measures to promote multi-family housing and increase overall supply.

Officials said the new development will help address housing shortages in Winnipeg while supporting jobs and economic growth.

The announcement was made by Doug Eyolfson, MP for Winnipeg West, on behalf of Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, alongside Chief Herb Green of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, Manitoba Housing Minister Bernadette Smith and Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham.

“Our government is committed to ensuring communities have the support they need to develop local solutions to homelessness,” said Eyolfson.

“Access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing is fundamental to long-term socio-economic success. It leads to better health and education outcomes, stronger employment opportunities, and more resilient and connected communities.”

Greene said the First Nation is coming to the city’s aid again with the $48-million development after having helped Winnipeg overcome its drinking-water shortage for 106 years through an aqueduct on Shoal Lake land.

Smith said the province’s $1.5-million contribution reflects its commitment to collaborating Premier Wab Kinew’s government’s commitment to working collaboratively across governments and with First Nations to deliver meaningful collaboration across governments to provide long-term solutions to housing and homelessness.

“Every Winnipegger deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Gillingham. “These new homes will create more housing options for Winnipeg families, while also advancing economic reconciliation with Shoal Lake 40 First Nation. With investment from the Housing Accelerator Fund, we are increasing the housing supply and helping projects like this move forward to meet the growing needs of our city,”

Pictured: Officials take part in a groundbreaking project at a Winnipeg apartment-complex development site.

Photo: Doug Eyolfson