City exceeds housing targets as millions in federal funds set to roll in

The City of Winnipeg has surpassed multiple housing development targets under the federal Housing Accelerator Fund, with permits issued for 14,833 new housing units since December 2023. This accomplishment marks the city as exceeding the targets three months ahead of the December 5 deadline, as set with the agreement to claim $126.5 million from the fund since late 2023. Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating it is "very good news for Winnipeg at a time when we need more housing."

The city is projected to receive its final $32.6-million federal payment in early 2027 upon satisfactory review by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In March, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) augmented Winnipeg's funding by $4 million and elevated the target number of units to 14,251, surpassing the initial 14,101 set in 2023.

The newly approved permits encompass a variety of housing types, including 7,989 homes situated near high-frequency transit, 2,649 missing middle units like duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, 2,323 additional multi-family units, and 1,872 single-detached homes. Of this construction, 1,409 units will be designated as affordable housing.

The additional housing supply aims to alleviate pressure on housing costs, as the principles of supply and demand come into play. Mayor Gillingham highlighted that the city's housing numbers indicate the need for more housing has persisted for years, crediting the historic zoning changes implemented with council approval as a courageous move toward this goal.