MMF Celebrates Breaking Ground on Affordable Housing Project in Portage la Prairie

September 1, 2020

Portage la Prairie, MB - The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) will break ground on the Willow Bay Housing Development in Portage la Prairie at 12:00 p.m. on September 2. Located at 716 Willow Bay, the housing development will deliver affordable and quality housing for Métis Citizens living in the Portage la Prairie area.

"As shown in data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and the MMF's Central Registry Office, there is a deep need for affordable family and senior housing in Portage la Prairie," said MMF Minister of Housing and Property Development Will Goodon. "Because of the large capital projects currently being developed in Portage la Prairie, we expect demand for housing to increase even more in the coming years."

The Willow Bay Housing Development will include a triplex for family residents, and 2 duplexes for senior residents. The 1,050-sq.-ft. accessible duplex units will showcase our new steel framing technology. The units will feature two bedrooms, one bath, a deck, sunroom, and storage unit. Each senior unit will be fully accessible which includes ramps, larger doors, grab bars in the washroom, and many other accessible elements. The two triplex end units are 1,145 square feet, with three bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The middle triplex unit is 1,025 square feet, with two bedrooms and 1.5 baths. The triplex units will each have one parking stall and features such as a storage locker, open concept kitchen area with island, and a laundry room. Every unit will have central air with a high efficient furnace and air conditioning.

"The investment today by the MMF in Portage is very welcome," said Irvine Ferris, Mayor of Portage la Prairie. "This new housing project is important to not only the Portage Local of the MMF, but this neighborhood and the entire city. The Métis people were instrumental in establishing our community over 100 years ago, and they continue to build our city today."

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2021, with driveways, sidewalks, and landscaping finished in spring 2021.

"Willow Bay Housing Development is another example of MMF's dedication to providing culturally-appropriate, safe, accessible, sustainable, and affordable housing opportunities that improve and empower the lives of our Métis Citizens," said Minister Goodon.

The MMF has committed to building affordable housing projects across the province, with the construction of a six-unit multi-family home in St. Boniface, as well as opening the Frank Bruce Métis Seniors Complex in St. Laurent, among many other developments.

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Believe in Yourself; Believe in Métis.

The Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF) is the official democratic and self-governing political representative for the Métis Nation's Manitoba Métis Community. The Manitoba Métis are Canada's Negotiating Partner in Confederation and the Founders of the Province of Manitoba.

For media information, please contact:
Marci Riel
Manitoba Metis Federation
Cell: 204-619-1228
Email: marci.riel@mmf.mb.ca
www.mmf.mb.ca

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