The City of Winnipeg today announced a new initiative aimed at significantly accelerating the construction of much-needed housing. The Multi-Family Sustainable Housing Infrastructure Program (MSHIP) will see the City partner with developers to address crucial infrastructure limitations that have long hindered residential growth.
The program will focus on improving local water, wastewater, and drainage capacity in areas where existing infrastructure cannot currently support new development. By strategically leveraging private investment, MSHIP aims to spur the creation of up to 1,200 units of high-density, sustainable multi-family housing.
Mayor Scott Gillingham emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Winnipeg needs more homes, and we need to build them faster. This program helps remove one of the biggest barriers to getting shovels in the ground — local infrastructure that just isn’t ready for new development.” He added, “By supporting the costs of water, wastewater, and drainage improvements, we’re making it easier to build the kind of housing our growing city needs.”
Successful projects under the MSHIP will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 per housing unit to help offset eligible infrastructure costs. The program boasts a total budget of $12 million, funded through the third installment of the federal Housing Accelerator Fund.
Evan Duncan, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, hailed the program as a significant step forward. “This program is a game-changer for unlocking housing potential in areas of Winnipeg that have long been held back by service capacity limitations,” said Duncan. “By supporting the upfront costs of essential infrastructure like water and wastewater, we’re removing key barriers for developers and accelerating the creation of more sustainable, high-density housing options for residents. This is a critical step toward building a more vibrant, inclusive, and affordable city.”
The City will begin accepting applications for the Multi-Family Sustainable Housing Infrastructure Program this summer. Developers who apply can expect to be notified of the outcome of their application by December 2025.
