‘Queer Village’ proposed for West Alexander

North End

WEST END

West Kildonan

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This article was published 11/09/2024 (401 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The West Kildonan-Lord Selkirk community committee came together for its first meeting following city council’s summer break on Thursday, Sept. 5. A lengthy list of items were discussed and approved — including creation of new safe-spaces for vulnerable individuals in the downtown area.

Brought to the table was Queer Village, a four-storey living space for individuals from the 2SLGBTQ+ community at risk of experiencing, or who have experienced, gender-based violence. If completed, the establishment would also be an affordable living space and double as an emergency shelter for 2SLGBTQ+ folks in need.

Plans for Queer Village, which would be located at the currently-vacant spot at 927 Notre Dame Ave., were created through a partnership between local not-for-profits Sunshine House and Two-Spirit Manitoba. It would contain six emergency shelter units, with 11 beds overall, on the ground floor; 14 self-contained — one bed per unit — short-to-mid-term units on the second and third floors; and seven self-contained social units on the fourth floor.

The building will also feature common areas for residents, office space, an outdoor garden, and 24/7 support from staff and volunteers.

“Not traditional security guards, but folks who can act as 24-hour supports using culturally appropriate methods of intervention, de-escalation,” said Levi Foy, executive director at Sunshine House. “Those kinds of folks will always be available.”

The end goal is to develop the space over time so it can be its own entity, with Sunshine House and Two-Spirit Manitoba acting as partners. However, there will be always be ways for Queer Village residents to become enrolled in Sunshine House programming if it’s something they need, Foy said.

According to Foy, there has been more than a 200 per cent increase in reported cases of gender-based violence since 2019. However, these incidents are “historically under-reported,” especially in the case of queer men.

The project was met with positive reactions from the committee.

“I want to thank Levi and his team, and everyone involved, for spearheading this transformative project in the community,” said Coun. Devi Sharma (Old Kildonan).

“I find nothing better, or more calming and settling, than working in the garden and tending to those plants,” said Coun. Ross Eadie (Mynarski). “It’s an opportunity for some of the people here … It sounds like a great project.”

Plans were also approved for a new housing development at 473 and 475 Flora Ave., in the North End neighbourhood.

A new extension of non-profit Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad (Ndinawe), the site, which consists of three properties and a combined area of 5,617 square feet, will be converted into a three-storey, multi-family establishment for young people living in the area.

If completed, it would contain 23 one-bedroom units for at-risk youth (aged 11 to 24), including one accessible-living space on the ground floor, as well as office space for 24-hour support. Ndinawe’s offices are just across the back lane, which will even more additional support for those living in the building. Plans call for an additional balcony, car and bike parking stalls, and easy access to public and active transit.

The committee also approved plans for a huge townhouse project named Highland Pointe, which will be located along Goodman Drive, off McPhillips Street. If completed, the development will consist of eight, two-storey townhouse buildings, adding up to 57 units overall. Each unit would contain a drive-in garage and back porch.

“In general, I think the end result will be a very usable development,” said Joel Tranq, representing Affinity Architecture. “We’re very excited to get this project going.”