Affordable housing project eyed
Survey results required by month’s end
By Jim Mosher
Friday July 22, 2005
Interlake Spectator — There is a widely-acknowledged shortage of
affordable housing in the Gimli area. But few capital investments have been made
in addressing the shortage, likely because higher-end homes represent a more
lucrative market. A non-profit group is looking to develop an affordable housing
project to provide housing for lower-income workers, families and seniors.
Dean Thorkelsson, chairman of the Gimli Non-profit Housing Corporation (GNHC),
says the provincial government has looked favourably on the corporation’s
project. GNHC plans to submit a project proposal for funding under the
Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) in the fall. AHI is a joint
federal-provincial initiative that provides financial assistance to approved
projects.
Dubbed ‘The Beaches Apartments’ the project, as currently conceived, would
consist of 28 not-for-profit rental units on a site near Fifth St. North, Third
Ave. and Seventh Ave.
The first step -- and one with a looming deadline at month’s end -- is a survey
to help measure the real need. The mix of apartment sizes may change as the data
from the survey is tabulated. Occupancy is expected next summer.
“It’s well recognized that there’s a need for affordable housing in the larger
Gimli area, including Riverton and Winnipeg Beach,” Thorkelsson said. “Now we
need those people who need this type of housing to complete the survey to tell
us what type of housing they are in fact looking for. We then start developing
that housing project for them.”
The project targets persons with an annual household income of less than
$42,000. Monthly rents for one-, two- and three-bedroom suites would range from
about $500 to $755.
Surveys are available at the Gimli municipal offices in Gimli Public School
(1915). They can also be downloaded on-line at www.lifelease.ca
GNHC has retained Acorn Development Consultants to assist with project
development.
In addition to Thorkelsson, GNHC board includes vice chairman Evan Finney,
secretary Blair Ellison, treasurer Barry Martin and director Richard Isfeld.
Courtesy of the Interlake Spectator
