Winnipeg, Manitoba – Habitat for Humanity-Manitoba announced today that they have received approval from Winnipeg City Council on September 29, 2021 to proceed with their largest development in the history of the organization’s thirty-four years.  It will be located in the 900 block of Pandora Avenue West in Transcona.

“When we are able to find a large parcel of land like this one in Transcona, we are able to build a Habitat community and improve the lives of many families,” said Sandy Hopkins, CEO of Habitat for Humanity-Manitoba.  “We have been building Carbon Free for many years, but felt it was time to start promoting this style of construction. These Habitat homes will be powered by Manitoba made renewable energy and will be built with the families in mind who will purchase them.”

Situated on three acres of land, Habitat will build eleven blocks of five townhouses each, for a total of 55 new homes. These homes will be exceptionally energy efficient with no source of carbon in the homes. The homes, therefore, will emit no carbon once construction is complete.  An internet search suggests this is the largest carbon free low or mid density residential development in Canada.

The all in energy costs, including heating, air conditioning, hot water, lights, appliances and other uses, will average approximately $100 per month per family.

“Imagine the relief of the families who will now have that additional income to spend on necessities like food and medicine,” says Jonathan Reckford, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “When coupled with an affordable mortgage, the reduced energy costs can provide an opportunity for families to save for the future.  More broadly, new homes are an investment in the community. The development is expected to generate $3.5 Million in taxes and create many jobs in construction.” (full statement can be found here)

Habitat will begin bringing infrastructure to the site once the Development Agreement has been received from the City of Winnipeg. Shortly thereafter, they will dig the foundation for the first block of five homes.

The Development is expected to be built in a three-year period with 15 homes scheduled in 2022. The site will be fully landscaped and a large play area will be constructed at the south end of the property.

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba employs a rigorous family selection process to determine eligibility to purchase the homes they build. These above market quality homes are expected to retail around $300,000 per unit. The average family income for the families purchasing these homes is below $50,000. What makes them affordable are the mortgage terms Habitat provides. The Habitat program requires no down payment, has no interest on the mortgage for 15 years and monthly payments are based on the family’s ability to pay, not the value of the property.

“I would like to wish warm congratulations to Habitat for Humanity Manitoba on this wonderful Transcona Development.  I would also like to thank Winnipeg City Council for having approved this project. Like us, they know that these 55 new townhouses are going to make an extraordinary difference for the Habitat partner families who will call them home for many years to come” said Julia Deans, President & CEO, Habitat for Humanity Canada. (full statement can be found here)

About Habitat for Humanity-Manitoba:

Habitat for Humanity Manitoba is one of 1,400 affiliates worldwide working to build safe, decent, and affordable homes for families. Every year, we partner with communities to help working, lower income families in Manitoba achieve strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership. For more information, please visit: //www.habitat.mb.ca/

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Media Contact:

Christa Mariash, VP, Marketing, Communications & Philanthropy
Habitat for Humanity Manitoba
[email protected]
204-299-5656