WINNIPEG, August 5, 2006 The successful partnership between the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) and the Indochina Chinese Association of Manitoba (ICAM) has culminated with the completion of the City Oasis Apartment Complex in downtown Winnipeg. The project was made possible with the help of over $1.85 million from the Government of Canada, Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI). City Oasis was officially opened today by the Honourable Christine Melnick, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing; Joy Smith, Member of Parliament for Kildonan - St. Paul, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Deputy Mayor Mike Pagtakham on behalf of Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz and Kwok Ngan, President of the Indochina Chinese Association of Manitoba. "We're pleased that the Indochina Chinese Association of Manitoba has made such speedy progress in bringing this needed project to completion, creating quality housing for seniors that is reasonably priced and also accessible for those with mobility limitations," said Minister Melnick. "This project will help Winnipeg seniors be more independent. They will be able to stay in their communities close to friends and family," said Ms. Smith. "This is a fine project and Canada's new government is proud to support it." "This is an exciting day for the community," said Deputy Mayor Pagtakhan. "This new apartment complex will help to provide more accessible, affordable housing for area seniors, and will, in turn, contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the neighbourhood. I congratulate the Indochina Chinese Association and the WHHI for making this project a reality." "On behalf of the Association and the community, I would like to thank WHHI, all three levels of Government, for helping us contribute to the revitalization of downtown Winnipeg," said Ngan. The total cost for City Oasis was estimated at over $4 million. The governments of Canada and Manitoba contributed over $1.7 million towards the residential component of City Oasis under the cost-shared Canada - Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative's New Rental Supply Program. In addition, CentreVenture provided a $60,000 grant, the City of Winnipeg contributed a $55,000 grant through its Winnipeg Multi-Family Grant program, and CMHC provided Seed Funding of $20,000 made up of a $10,000 grant and a $10,000 repayable interest-free loan. The Indochina Chinese Association of Manitoba contributed $340,000 in equity and the balance of the costs was provided through mortgage financing. The six-storey apartment complex at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Edmonton Street, contains 42 units for seniors aged 55 and over and is accessible to persons with disabilities. The main floor of the building also includes a multi-purpose area with a kitchen to hold recreation activities for the residents and the community. City Oasis will be managed by the Indochina Chinese Association of Manitoba. The organization successfully operates and manages the Indochina Gardens, a 26-unit non-profit housing complex located at 150 Greenway Crescent in downtown Winnipeg. The funding is co-ordinated by the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership established by the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg to address homelessness, declining housing stock and the revitalization of Winnipeg's older neighbourhoods. Since 2000, the WHHI partnership has committed over $78 million to repair, rehabilitate or construct over 3,000 units of housing as well as assist the homeless or those at risk of being homeless. The WHHI is a single-window office for community organizations to access information on government-funded housing and homelessness programs. For information, organizations or citizens can call 204-940-3070. Media Inquiries: Brian WilliamsonService Canada-WHHI204-984-0592Cell: 204-997-046 Kwok Ngang, President IndoChina Chinese Association of Manitoba204-228-0989
