The federal government is investing $240 million toward building, repairing and renewing 105 housing projects across different municipalities in Manitoba. The February 27th announcement took place at Rubin Block on Morley Avenue in Winnipeg, a historical building left vacant due to a fire.

Rubin Block is receiving $9.1 million through the Affordable Housing Fund and the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI), an investment that will support the Fisher River Cree Nation in redeveloping the building into 13 transitional homes for families in need. Construction for redevelopment began in October 2024 and is expected to complete in May 2026.

“This initiative signifies a significant step towards addressing the critical need for safe transitional housing for families in need,” said Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation. “The transformation of the Rubin Block Building will not only provide shelter but also hope and stability to those facing housing challenges. We are thankful for the support from the Federal government in creating a positive impact on the lives of individuals who need it.”

The Manitoba housing projects that are part of today’s announcement are supported through various initiatives under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and aim to address needs across the housing continuum for diverse communities, prioritizing Manitoba’s most vulnerable populations.

“The market alone won’t deliver the housing affordability we need,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “These projects represent major progress in returning a strong federal role to affordable and non-market housing. It’s now time to double down on that commitment.” 

The funding announced today includes:

• $113,958,615 in contributions and loans through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) to help create 396 new units and repair 1,667 units across 69 projects.
• $11,252,802 in contributions and loans through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF) to help create 240 new units across two projects.
• $26,275,000 in a loan through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP), which will help create 125 new rental units in one project, with affordability conditions.
• $4,243,076 in loans and contributions through Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) toward pre-development and retrofit activities for 427 units across 10 projects.
• $75,782,469 in contributions through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) to create 202 new units and renew 74 units through 20 projects.
• $4,054,675 through the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) to help spur the construction of 108 homes over the next three years and 621 homes over the next 10 years across three separate municipalities: the Rural Municipality of Lorne – Notre Dame De Lourdes & Somerset, the Rural Municipality of Ritchot, and the Village of St-Pierre-Jolys.
• $4,524,000 from the federal government through the Indigenous Shelter and Transitional Housing Initiative (ISTHI) delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) for 13 units.
• Subsidy from Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) for ongoing operations and support.