$20M funding announced for Chinatown housing project

The federal government is spending $20 million on an apartment complex in Winnipeg’s Chinatown.

Winnipeg’s Chinatown is getting a new apartment building.

The federal government announced $20 million in combined funding with the province and the city of Winnipeg to build 54 affordable units in Winnipeg on Saturday.

“To have this, you know, vacant land from the old Shanghai restaurant space being developed, 54 units coming on board – affordable units, is really really important at a time when we need more housing in Winnipeg,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said on Saturday.

The seven-storey apartment building is being built on land owned by the Winnipeg Chinatown Residence Corporation (WCRC).

“Shanghai Residence will undoubtedly improve the lives of many families by providing secure, rent-geared-to-income and appropriately designed housing,” chair of the WCRC Patrick Choy said in a media release. “It will be a significant addition to the on-going revitalization of Winnipeg’s Chinatown community.”

Ray Wan, principal architect for the project, said the project got ready in 12 months.

“Current schedule – assuming no weather factors or delivery, logistical issue, ideally 18 months. I personally think 18 to 20 months is reasonable,” he told CTV News on Saturday.

Wan said the project’s priority will be for newcomers but “will not rule out other needed family.”

“We have a principle – no boundary, no border, all inclusive. And that’s what we’re pushing for.”

The funding for this project consists of $14.3 million from the Affordable Housing Fund of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. $2 million was granted through Winnipeg’s Housing Accelerator Fund agreement. The province put in $3.7 million. The city put $535,481 as a heritage and economic development incentive.