Sir Paul’s place officially open

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This article was published 25/01/2017 (3403 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There are now new affordable options for seniors looking to live in the Park City.

Sir Paul Martin Estates, a 92-unit affordable housing complex at 440 Chrislind St., officially opened its doors with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 20.

“This is first facility of its kind in Manitoba that combines affordable housing for seniors and families,” Coun. Russ Wyatt (Transcona), who has been a proponent of the project since 2010, told The Herald.

The complex includes 45 units for family living, and a seniors’ wing with 47 units.

The $26.8-million project was funded with $25 million from the federal-provincial Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement. The City of Winnipeg sold the two acres of land on which the building is located (off Ravelston Avenue) — valued at $1.3 million — to the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) for $1.

“The idea is to get away from isolating seniors,” Wyatt explained. “A multi-generational facility like this benefits for both seniors and families.”

“This property provides practical and affordable housing for multi-generational families,” said Scott Fielding, provincial Minister of Families, who represented the province at the ribbon cutting. “By combining family units and seniors units in adjoining buildings, seniors can enjoy their independence while having family members close by to provide care and support.”

The property is owned by the WHRC, a non-profit that develops, owns and manages affordable housing throughout Winnipeg. According to a release from the province, the WHRC “will also provide extensive programming for family and senior tenants, together and separately, to support healthy living and positive relationships.”

Wyatt said he first became aware of the need for affordable seniors’ housing in Transcona during the 2010 municipal election.

“I heard lot of concern regarding housing,” Wyatt said, adding it has been 20 years since the last affordable housing project was built in the Park City. “The last was Transcona Place (100-110 Victoria Ave. W).”

According to the province, “up to half of the units (in Sir Paul Martin Estates) will be leased on a rent-geared-to-income basis to accommodate low income households.” Further, the Manitoba government has committed to providing a “maximum annual subsidy of approximately $362,000 to support these units.”

Sir Paul Martin Estates is named after the late former mayor of Transcona, who was named The Greatest Transconian by the community in 2005. Martin died in July 2016 at the age of 96. His son Peter Martin was on hand for the grand opening.

“It was emotional,” Martin admitted. “Dad really wanted to be there for the opening. Even in July, in the hospital before he passed away, he was preparing his speech.”

Martin was able to share some of the words his father had prepared for the grand opening, saying his father “accepted with gracious humility the honour” of having the housing complex named after him.

“Dad was one of those who always tried to find ways to connect with the youth,” Martin said. “He used to enjoy speaking with the youth. It’s interesting the building named after them allows people to talk and learn from each other.”

The idea to honour the late Sir Paul Martin in naming the new housing complex after him came naturally, Wyatt said.

“Paul was an amazing guy. He was always thinking about how to make things better in the community. He was truly his brother’s keeper.”

“We’re delighted that they chose to honour our father,” Martin said. “It’s a testament, it’s a legacy.”

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