New measures to persuade vacant building owners to rehabilitate their properties have been approved by Winnipeg’s city council.
Derelict and vacant homes have long been a problem in Winnipeg – from fires to other safety hazards.
The city attempted to crack down by increasing fines and billing owners for firefighting costs.
Now council has approved a different approach: a vacant building grant – with $3 million available to owners and developers – to help turn the boarded-up houses into occupied homes.
Applicants are eligible for up to $35,000 per rehabilitated unit.
“Vacant buildings continue to affect neighbourhoods across Winnipeg by creating safety concerns, increasing fire risk, and leaving potential homes and economic activity unrealized,” said Coun. Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the standing policy committee on community services.
“Together, these new measures will help return more properties to use and build safer, stronger, and more vibrant communities.”
Applications open July 2.
The City of Winnipeg is also introducing stricter penalties for vacant buildings that have been subject to inspections.
“At a time when Winnipeg needs more housing, we want to remove barriers to redevelopment and ensure vacant properties don’t sit idle for years,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “Our Vacancy to Vitality strategy is about taking action. By combining stronger enforcement with new incentives for redevelopment, we’re helping turn problem properties into community assets, reducing neighbourhood blight, and creating more housing options for Winnipeggers.”
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