‘Coming to the city’s aid again’: Shoal Lake inks historic housing deal

More than a century after its lake became the source of Winnipeg’s drinking water, Shoal Lake 40 First Nation is leading a major housing development in the city, backed by more than $51 million in government funding.

The federal government announced the combined funding Tuesday to build 150 apartment units at 2675 Portage Ave. in the city’s St. James neighbourhood. The development will include one-, two- and three-bedroom units.

Shoal Lake 40 Chief Herb Greene said the project carries historical significance.

“This development is about three things: history, teamwork, and the future,” Greene said during a sod-turning ceremony Tuesday. He noted for more than 100 years, Winnipeg was in dire need of a reliable source of clean drinking water.

“In fact, 106 years ago, in 1919, clean drinking water started flowing to Winnipeg from Shoal Lake, through the aqueduct, built on part of the Shoal Lake land. While it led to isolation of our community, many hardships, Winnipeg was able to flourish and grow as a modern city. We are now coming to the city’s aid again.”

Winnipeg Free Press | Newsletter

Jen Zoratti | Next

Wednesdays

What's next in arts, life and pop culture.

Sign up for Jen Zoratti | Next

Sign Up

I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement.

When the 135-kilometre aqueduct was built in 1919, it cut off Shoal Lake from the mainland. It wasn’t until 2019 that Freedom Road was constructed, connecting the First Nation with the Trans-Canada Highway, ending its isolation.

In 2021, a decades-long boil water advisory was lifted after the completion of a water treatment facility in Shoal Lake.

“This project, led by Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, is a powerful example of economic reconciliation in action,” said Winnipeg West MP Doug Eyolfson at a news conference Tuesday. “It means Indigenous communities are not just participating, but leading major developments, creating jobs, building capacity and ensuring that long-term benefits fall back to their members.”

“Indigenous communities are not just participating, but leading major developments, creating jobs, building capacity and ensuring that long-term benefits fall back to their members.”

Greene said 61 of the units will be considered affordable and the remaining 89 will be offered at fair-market value. Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants.

Diane Redsky, a member of Shoal Lake 40 First Nation and the CEO of Kekekoziibii Development Corp., said Tuesday was an important day for her community.

“It will be the first building that Shoal Lake 40 will own from the city of Winnipeg, and it marks a new chapter in our economic future,” said Redsky, who also sits on the Winnipeg Police Board.

She said housing is particularly important for Indigenous women, many who face insecurity, instability and violence.

“Projects like this change that reality,” Redsky said. “Housing is not just about buildings and concrete and steel. Housing is about families. Housing is about people. Housing is about women being able to raise their children in safe homes. It’s about young people having stability and hope for the future. It’s about our elders having dignity and comfort as they age.”

Manitoba Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Bernadette Smith said the project will bring together people from different walks of life.

“Mixed-income (housing) is going to see people that are doing well, but people who are also struggling,” she said. “They can see someone that is making good income. They can say to them, ‘Hey, you’re driving a nice car. You’re wearing nice clothes. You’re carrying around a beautiful purse.’ Maybe they’re an architect, maybe they’re a lawyer. Maybe that’s the spark for them to go back to school to become that.

“It’s going to be transformative, it’s going to bring change. That’s the kind of housing you’re building.”

“Housing is not just about buildings and concrete and steel. Housing is about families. Housing is about people.”

The affordable housing component of the build will also come with supports administered through Shoal Lake 40’s family support team, connecting residents with services in education, health and community wellness.

The project is being delivered through a partnership involving the federal government, Manitoba Housing and the City of Winnipeg.

Ottawa is contributing $43.5 million through the Affordable Housing Fund, while the city is providing $2 million via its Housing Accelerator Fund Capital Grant Incentive program, which is designed to boost housing supply and reduce barriers to development. The city is also providing $4.4 million in tax increment financing.

The housing accelerator fund supports municipalities that streamline planning processes and promote faster construction. As part of this initiative, Winnipeg has secured $122.4 million in housing accelerator funding tied to its housing action plan, which focuses on expanding multi-family housing and increasing overall supply.

Meanwhile, the province is contributing $1.5 million through a grant from Manitoba Housing, and Shoal Lake 40 is adding $1.6 million in cash equity.

Federal officials say the project aligns with the newly launched Build Canada Homes initiative, designed to accelerate affordable housing construction, reduce homelessness and expand options for low- and middle-income Canadians.

Leaders from all levels of government, alongside Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, say the project will help ease housing shortages while supporting economic growth and job creation.

scott.billeck@freepress.mb.ca

Scott Billeck
Reporter

Scott Billeck is a general assignment reporter for the Free Press. A Creative Communications graduate from Red River College, Scott has more than a decade’s worth of experience covering hockey, football and global pandemics. He joined the Free Press in 2024.  Read more about Scott.

Every piece of reporting Scott produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.