Housing we need has to go somewhere

Winnipeg is facing a housing shortage. We see it in rising rents, increasing homelessness and the growing number of people struggling to find safe and affordable places to live.

Governments at every level have recognized the need for more housing and the City of Winnipeg has adopted policies such as OurWinnipeg 2045 and Complete Communities 2.0, specifically to encourage the type of development needed to address this challenge.

Yet when new housing is proposed, particularly in established neighbourhoods, opposition often follows.

The recent discussion surrounding the proposed development of a six-storey, 120-unit apartment building at 470 Des Meurons St. is one such example.

While concerns about change are understandable, it is important to consider the broader context. The project represents an opportunity to add much-needed housing in a location that aligns with the city’s own planning objectives. It is close to transit, services, employment opportunities and community amenities. These are precisely the types of locations where growth is intended to occur. Many of the variances being sought reflect standards that the city itself has been reviewing and amending as part of broader efforts to remove barriers to housing development.

I have spent my entire career working in real estate, from one of Canada’s largest developers to my work today in affordable housing. Those experiences have given me a strong appreciation for the importance of housing across the continuum and why projects such as this are needed in our city.

I was also fortunate to serve on the board of Main Street Project, where I learned first-hand about the challenges faced by many of Winnipeg’s most vulnerable residents. More recently, through my work with the Collaborative Housing Alliance, I have had the opportunity to learn from many of the non-profit organizations working in direct service to individuals facing some of the most complex housing challenges in our city.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work alongside First Nations, non-profit organizations, developers and government partners to help bring housing projects to life across Western Canada, many of them including affordable housing.

Through those partnerships, I have seen first-hand both the significant need for more housing options and the positive impact that quality, stable housing can have on individuals, families and communities.

Importantly, this project is not simply about adding more market housing. It also includes affordable units that will help provide housing options for people who may otherwise struggle to remain in the community.

As governments continue to invest significant resources to address housing affordability, projects that contribute to those objectives should be welcomed and encouraged.

Not every housing proposal will be perfect, and thoughtful community input remains an important part of the planning process. But we must also recognize that the status quo is not meeting the housing needs of many Winnipeggers.

The reality is that Winnipeg cannot solve its housing challenges without building more homes.

That means supporting projects that align with our planning policies, make efficient use of existing infrastructure and create housing opportunities for a range of incomes and household types.

No single development will solve the housing crisis. But every project that adds needed housing, including affordable housing, is part of the solution.

The housing Winnipeg needs has to go somewhere.

If we genuinely believe more housing is needed, then we must be prepared to support well-planned projects in the communities where that housing is needed most.

Jordan Farber is founder and principal of Farber Real Estate Group, a Winnipeg-based development advisory firm that has supported the development of more than 2,000 housing units across Western Canada.