The Collaborative Housing Alliance Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), created by the Business Council of Manitoba, has received a $7-million private-sector investment to support affordable housing projects. This includes $5 million from Winnipeg Jets owner True North Sports & Entertainment and $2 million from the Mahon Family Foundation. The trust, which aims to close funding gaps for affordable housing projects, was established in 2022 with an initial $10 million from the provincial government.
The investment will support two projects that will provide 48 transitional housing units, one being a new build and the other a renovation of an unused building. These units are expected to be ready by early 2026. The projects are part of a broader effort to address homelessness in Manitoba, with a significant focus on Winnipeg, where housing needs are critical.
This collaboration between the private sector and public entities is seen as crucial in addressing the chronic homelessness crisis. Tessa Blaikie Whitecloud, an advisor to the Premier, emphasized that increasing the supply of housing will help move people out of shelters and prevent long-term homelessness. True North’s Mark Chipman and Main Street Project’s Jamil Mahmood also praised the initiative, stressing the importance of private investment in addressing housing shortages.
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