A $88-million plan for downtown Winnipeg aims to boost the city's population by adding nearly 300 new housing units. The project involves transforming four historic buildings, including the long-vacant St. Charles Hotel, into residential spaces. The hotel, located at 235 Notre Dame Ave., has been empty since 2008 and will contribute 106 affordable homes to the city center. Publicly funded grants totaling $4.65 million will support private developments, with the city contributing $2 million and CentreVenture Development Corporation providing $2.65 million from the Gail Parvin Hammerquist fund. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasizes the significant return on investment, stating that the public funding will unlock $88 million in private capital, creating jobs and revitalizing heritage buildings. The St. Charles Hotel, once an 'endangered' site, is now set to be carefully restored, with plans to preserve its facade while adding a new 11-story building. The project is expected to offer 140 housing units, including 80 affordable ones. Other developments include Maws Garage/Sanford Development, 291 Bannatyne Ave., creating 114 homes (18 affordable), 290 Garry St. with 29 units (5 affordable), and Alloway Lofts, 179 McDermot Ave., adding 14 units (3 affordable). Developers Mark and Shelley Buleziuk, who will develop the Alloway Lofts, highlight the importance of reusing heritage buildings to keep them vibrant and relevant. However, they acknowledge the challenges, such as structural and safety upgrades, which can lead to volatile costs and timelines. CentreVenture Development Corporation announced the housing proposals, aiming to attract 750 new units downtown annually. The organization's president, Rochelle Squires, emphasizes the need to revive vacant historic buildings and create a vibrant, walkable urban environment. Developers will also benefit from tax credits, with an $8,500 credit per rental unit and $5,000 for affordable units. The affordable suites are required to charge rents of no more than 30% of median market income for at least 10 years, with some units already offering rents below this threshold. Manitoba Housing Minister Bernadette Smith anticipates increased investment and community benefits from the new homes. Mayor Gillingham agrees, highlighting the importance of population presence for safety and economic growth. The developers must secure permits by November 1 to meet federal funding deadlines.
