It's getting great: Government investment in Gilbert Park and Lord Selkirk Park

June 27, 2013
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Over the last few years, the Province of Manitoba has invested millions of dollars in renovating and providing resources in two public housing complexes in Winnipeg, Lord Selkirk Park and Gilbert Park. These renovations were significant, and included complete interior and exterior renovations to all of the housing units as well as improvement in security services, area parks, and neighbourhood amenities and services. These investments have re-energized the two communities, and are making a positive difference in tenants' day-to-day lives.

Using interviews and focus groups with tenants and staff from service agencies and Manitoba Housing, this report looks at the impact of the renovations and other investments in Lord Selkirk Park and Gilbert Park. The initial intent for the research was to examine the impact of the housing renovations, but it quickly became clear that although the impact of these is significant, it cannot be separated from the impact of the other investments and resources in the two communities. As a result, the report describes the impact thus far of both the renovations and investments on the individuals and families that live in Lord Selkirk Park and Gilbert Park, with a focus on how these changes have affected safety and security, jobs and education, and community well-being.

This report begins with a review of the role of public housing in meeting communities' housing and other needs. It then goes on to examine each community separately and looks at safety and security, jobs and education, and community well-being in each of Gilbert Park and Lord Selkirk Park. These two sections also offer recommendations specific to each community. The report wraps up with a conclusion summarizing the research.

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