Bridging the housing gap: MMF builds affordable apartment complex in Selkirk

May 22, 2025

I love my new apartment. What it means to me is having a safe space for the rest of my journey in life. I'm very proud of our MMF Government and especially with Will (Minister Goodon), Jack (Minister Park), and the President David (President Chartrand), because I know how far we've come... and I just feel very fortunate that I'm one of the ones that gets to live in this apartment. - Barb Lavallee

_{When driving over the Selkirk lift bridge, you'll see the vibrant pop of the Métis-sash decorating the new Red River Métis residential building in Selkirk, Manitoba overlooking the Red River - the structure is undoubtedly a representation of Red River Métis resiliency and pride.}

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) is addressing the housing crisis head on, helping those who need it most: our Elders and seniors. Citizens gathered in Selkirk, Manitoba on April 30 to witness and celebrate the inaugural opening of 355 Eveline Street, the MMF's six-storey mixed-used residential complex now in operation.

"Selkirk is a very large Red River Métis centre. There are so many Red River Métis folks who are living in and around this area... the need was here," said Will Goodon, Minister of Housing and Property Management. "The needs were acute right across the province. But in Selkirk, it was a place where we could meet some of those needs and provide a warm, safe home... that's what this is all about at the end of the day."

The building, which spans 77,900 feet, provides housing to 49 MMF Elders and seniors; it officially opened on Wednesday when President Chartrand cut the ribbon.

"Today is actually a very ceremonial day in many ways for us (because) this is our first apartment block for the Métis Government and to have a dream (to) actually pull it off and fulfill the needs of our people, but to see that it can be done is again another example that there's more to come... a second apartment has now been approved by my Cabinet in Winnipeg on Henderson Highway."

More than half of the residences in 355 Eveline are dedicated to affordable housing, an initiative that has been vital throughout the process.

"We've done everything in our power to make sure the affordability was there, to make sure our seniors can afford to live here," said President Chartrand. "But if there's anything that brings joy to the end result, it would be the smiling faces and the pride and the emotional feeling that you can capture from so many."

_{Residents can enjoy a multitude of accommodations in-suite or on-site, such as a common area for community activities, commercials spaces for facilities such as a Red River Métis pharmacy, and a workout room.}

Red River Métis Citizen Barb Lavallee is one of many Red River Métis residents in Selkirk to call the new building their home.

"I love my new apartment. What it means to me is having a safe space for the rest of my journey in life." said Barb Lavallee. "I'm very proud of our MMF Government and especially with (Minister) Will Goodon, (Minister) Jack Park and the President David (Chartrand), because I know how far we've come, because I've been there, and I just feel very fortunate that I'm one of the ones that gets to live in this apartment."

The multi-million-dollar residential complex was made possible in part by government-to-government relations that empower the Red River Métis Government to dream bigger when meeting the needs of MMF Citizens.

"President Chartrand talked today in his speech a little bit about having the ability to do these things now because of that government-to-government relationship that we have with the province, with Canada - it's a huge thing," said Minister Goodon. "At the end of the day our Red River Métis Government really knows its own people and I think that shows when we can make decisions like this and provide housing, which is so much needed in our communities... it's going to be something that will last for generations."

The next time you're in Selkirk, make sure to check out the beautiful residential housing complex. Until then, keep up with the MMF's housing initiatives and explore how the Housing and Property Management Department can assist you and your housing needs by visiting our website.

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