‘It’s a mistake’: Downtown housing complex slated for demolition
A social housing complex once touted as a beacon of hope in Winnipeg’s core will face the wrecking ball less than 15 years after it was built.
Located at 575 Balmoral Street, Centre Village went up in 2010 as co-op housing for newcomers and low-income families. At the time, the complex won several awards for its architecture, but design flaws and security concerns led to the building’s demise and its eventual abandonment.
- The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
- Sign up now for daily CTV News Winnipeg newsletters
“It’s a mistake,” said David, who lives near the complex. “It’s got security features that are no good, and people couldn’t live in there.”
Manitoba Housing took ownership of the complex in 2015. In the years that followed, vacancies at the property rose.
By 2022, Centre Village was completely shut down, only to be further ravaged by fires and crime.
“All the players around the table had big aspirations that this project was going to be transformative,” said Jino Distasio, an urban geography professor at the University of Winnipeg.
Distasio also said it’s shameful a city struggling with affordable housing missed the mark with Centre Village.
“This should be a vibrant street, not one that’s about to face the wrecking ball and to be restarted after just a few years of really difficult tenure.”
Last week, a provincial spokesperson confirmed to CTV News that crews will begin to prepare the site for demolition. Ownership will also be transferred to the Winnipeg Housing and Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) – a not-for-profit corporation focused on affordable housing in Winnipeg’s inner city.
The organization is receiving $2.2 million to demolish and develop the complex. In May, WHRC announced plans that would see a new 30-unit building put up to replace Centre Village.
Distasio said it’s crucial the new developers learn from past mistakes.
“My hope right now is that, you know, the developer in play right now has a good handle of the complexity of the inner city, the type of housing, the style and structure,” he said.
Sherri Rollins, the chair of the city’s property and development committee said initial plans address core housing needs.
“Great news that an under-utilized property is going to be put into use for housing,” Rollins said. “It’s been a bit of a hole and a blight for the city of Winnipeg.”
Preparations to tear down Centre Village are expected to begin this week.
- With files from CTV’s Michelle Gerwing
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Environmental racism': First Nations leaders claim cancer-causing contamination was covered up
The people of Fort Chipewyan believe the federal government believe the federal government knew its water was contaminated and hid the issue for years. Now the chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation is leading the call for immediate action.
Death toll from Hurricane Helene rises to 227 as grim task of recovering bodies continues
The death toll from Hurricane Helene inched up to 227 on Saturday as the grim task of recovering bodies continued more than a week after the monster storm ravaged the Southeast and killed people in six states.
Car flies into B.C. backyard, lands upside down
A driver suffered only minor injuries after going airborne in a residential neighbourhood in Maple Ridge, B.C., on Friday, the car eventually landing on its roof in someone’s backyard.
Donald Trump, Elon Musk attend rally at same Pennsylvania grounds where gunman tried to assassinate Trump
Donald Trump returned on Saturday to the Pennsylvania fairgrounds where he was nearly assassinated in July, holding a sprawling rally with thousands of supporters in a critical swing state Trump hopes to return to his column in November's election.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.
'No one has $70,000 dollars lying around': Toronto condo owners facing massive special assessment
The owners of a North York condominium say they are facing a $70,000 special assessment to fix their building's parking garage. '$70,000 is a lot of money. It makes me very nervous and stressed out of nowhere for this huge debt to come in,' said Ligeng Guo.
Police ID mom, daughter killed in Old Montreal; video shows person break into building before fatal fire
Police released the identities of the mother and daughter who were killed after a fire tore through a 160-year-old building in Old Montreal on Friday.
Frequent drinking of fizzy beverages and fruit juice are linked to an increased risk of stroke: research
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton’s McMaster University.
'I screamed in shock and horror': Family faces deadly Vancouver hit-and-run driver during sentencing
The sentencing of the man who pleaded guilty in the deadly hit-and-run in Kitsilano two years ago began on Friday.