Where To Stay

Community

Winnipeg was established along the Red River and Assiniboine River. With its long history, it has many accommodation opportunities for visitors and residents. The population of Winnipeg is 653,300 and is approximately 464 km². There are several neighbourhoods that radiate out from downtown. These include North Kildonan, East Kildonan, the North End, West End, Wolseley, Transcona, Charleswood, St. Boniface, St. Vital, River Park South, St. James, Unicity, and several others. It is a good idea to learn about the various areas and their advantages and disadvantages. Making sure you live in a safe community should be a priority, especially when kids are being raised.

You can find maps and directions on the following site: www.maps.google.ca

Following is a map of Winnipeg neighbourhoods:

Renting and tenant rights

If you are looking for a place to rent, it is a good idea to find out if the lease is monthly or yearly. You will also need to have a damage deposit, so be prepared to have more than one month’s rent to begin with. It is also a good idea to find out about communities, safety, locations of schools and bus routes. Ask a lot of questions, such as if heating or water costs are included, if you are allowed pets and if appliances are included. Some places may require you to buy insurance as well. Do not rent the first place you find. Be sure to research information well before making a decision. Signing a lease is a legal document, so be sure it is something you want to invest in.

Visit www.gov.mb.ca/finance/cca/rtb/resource_list/beforeyourentT.html for a list of questions to ask and things to do when looking for a rental accommodation.

Your Rights and responsibilities as a tenant

Both the tenant (the person who is renting) and the landlord have rights and responsibilities which are legally binding. There are laws that restrict sudden increase in rent or being forced to leave your apartment without notice. Discrimination based on colour, creed, sex, age or disability is not allowed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. As a tenant you have a responsibility to keep the place in good condition, pay your rent on time and follow rules such as not having pets or excessive noise. If you need information or help, you can look up the provincial landlord and tenant regulations. You can also find this in the telephone book.

Residential Tenancies Branch

Residential Tenancies Branch can advise you of your rights and responsibilities when renting accommodations. They can tell you about the qualifications for a subsidized house or apartment, how to apply, and how long you have to wait. You can contact them at:

Residential Tenancies Branch, Consumer and Corporate Affairs
302-254 Edmonton St.
Phone: 945-2476 or 1-800-782-8403
Email: rtb@gov.mb.ca
www.residentialtenancies.mb.ca

The most common type of rental is privately owned accommodations. Rental rates are determined through the market in the area where you rent. Advertising for this type of rental can be found in the Winnipeg Free Press, Home Renters Guide (available at many convenience stores) or the following sites:

• www.homebase.ca/main.asp?r=13&s=91
• www.places4rent.com/finder.asp?LOCID=309
• www.rentcanada.com/winnipeg/
• www.apartmentcorner.com/
• www.myidealhome.com/mb/winnipeg_apartments.html
• www.rayinc.ca
• www.winnipeg.kijiji.ca/f-housing-W0QQCatIdZ34

Subsidized housing

You pay less rent for subsidized housing because a municipal government or charitable organization pays part of the operating cost. Subsidized housing can include public housing, non-profit housing and co-operative housing. The waiting list can be four to five years. For more information contact the Residential Tenancies Branch (listed above).

Manitoba Shelter Benefit (MSB)

A monthly benefit to help low income seniors, families, persons with disabilities and some people receiving income assistance pay their rent. For more information:

102 - 114 Garry Street Winnipeg MB R3C 1G1
945-2197
1-877-587-6224
TTY (204) 948-3698
E-mail provservic@gov.mb.ca
ww.gov.mb.ca/fs/housing/shelterbenefit.html

Low-income housing organizations

Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Housing Authority
Low-rental housing units for both non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal families and students. There are 444 properties located in five urban centres. Applicants must meet certain criteria for eligibility. Applications must be updated every six months or they will expire. 4280 Portage Ave, Headingley Manitoba, 988-5377, 1-866-856-5550
www.dotc.mb.ca/housing.html

Kanata Housing Corporation
Family rent-geared-to-income in a variety of suburban locations.
202-2055 McPhillips Ave, 338-6261.

Kekinan Centre Inc.
Affordable apartment housing for Aboriginal elders, young-disabled, infirmed and those 55+ that are able to live independently. The residence enables seniors to live independently, in culturally appropriate surroundings.
100 Robinson St, 582-0439.

Kinew Housing Inc.
Affordable housing for Aboriginal families. Rent is calculated on tenant’s employment income or charged according to Employment and Income Assistance rent allowances.
201-424 Logan Ave, 956-5093, (housing applications 944-8102).

Manitoba Housing Authority
Provides housing to individuals and families of low to moderate income.
100-185 Smith St, 945-4663, (housing applications 1-800-661-4663).
www.gov.mb.ca/fs

Murdoch Management
Provides ongoing property management throughout the Winnipeg area.
757 Henderson Hwy, 982-2000.
Email: mailto:info@lifelease.ca
www.lifelease.ca

M.A.P.S. Housing Cooperative
Housing based on income for single people and families. Houses are primarily in the downtown, central and north end areas.
659 Dufferin Ave, 589-1589.
Payuk Inter-Tribal Housing Co-op
100-500 Balmoral Ave, 942-0991.

SAM Management
A non-profit corporation established to provide management of housing for families and senior citizens. Their co-op includes Artemis Housing Co-operative, which gives priority to individuals who are HIV+ or living with AIDS.
425 Elgin Ave, 942-0991.
Email: admin@sam.mb.ca
www.sam.mb.ca

Westboine Park Housing Co-op Ltd.
Membership is obtained through the purchase of shares on approval of the Board of Directors.
32 Shelmerdine Drive, 885-5125.
Email: westboine.coop@shawcable.com
www.theworldonline.com/co-op/westboine/index.html

Westminster Housing Society Inc.
Provides good quality housing to lower income tenants at affordable rental rates, primarily in the West Broadway area.
14-165 Maryland St, 942-0991.
www.westminsterhousingsociety.mb.ca

Westminster Housing Co-op Ltd.
A family housing cooperative in the heart of the Westminster neighbourhood. This co-op offers its members a variety of one, two or three bedroom apartments and townhouses.
145 Maryland Street, 772-7338.

Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation
Provides affordable, clean, and safe rental housing. The majority of the units are rents geared to income. WHRC operates the Project Glow program that provides low-income tenants with referrals, resources and support.
60 Frances St, 949-2880.
Email: info@whrc.ca

Emergency Housing

When you are in a crisis situation — whether it is a domestic abuse situation, an addiction problem, or a homelessness issue — there are shelters you can access. These organizations also provide counselling support services.

Women’s Safe Houses

Alpha House Project (Murdoch Management)
Second stage housing for women and their children who have left abusive relationships. It offers individual counselling and support groups for women and children.
P.O. Box 37015, St. Vital RPO, Winnipeg, R2M 5R3, 982-2011.
Email: executivedirector@alphahouseinc.ca
www.mts.net/~alphahse

Ikwe – Widdjiitiwin Inc.
Emergency shelter for women and children who are victims of violence. Shelter counsellors are on duty 24-hours per day, seven days a week to provide services, and to provide women with information on local services available. P.O. Box 1056, Winnipeg, R3C 2X4, 987-2780, Crisis Line: 1-800-362-3344
Email: diane.ikwe@shawcable.ca

Native Women’s Transition Centre
A long-term residence that provides care for up to 21 Aboriginal women and children who are struggling to make life changes. The Second Stage Housing facility, Memengwaa Place, is an independent living program for Aboriginal victims of family violence and residents of Native Women’s Transition Centre wanting to make the transition back into the community. It provides seven full suites, an on-site support worker and security features. 105 Aikins St, 989-8240, Intake 998-8244 or 989-8251.
Email: nwtc@gatewest.net

Osborne House Crisis Centre
Short-term crisis accommodation in secure and supportive environment for women and their children who are, or have been, victims of domestic violence. Women are supported in making informed choices for their well-being and safety.
Follow-up services are available to all women and their children to continue with counselling and assist women to make informed choices while integrating back into the community. Referrals and advocacy are also available.
P.O. Box 397, Winnipeg, R3C 2H6, 942-3052.

Salvation Army Booth Centre
Provides shelter for homeless men and women with children.
180 Henry Avenue, 946-9402.

Youth Emergency Shelter Services

MacDonald Youth Services
Provides short-term shelter for youth 12-17 years of age. It is also a drop-in centre that provides counselling, clothing and food. The centre operates 24-hours a day.
175 Mayfair Ave, 477-1722,
www.mys.ca

Youth Resource Centre
477-1804.

Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad
Provides short-term shelter for youth 11-17 years of age. Meals, clothing and access to medical assistance are also provided. 586-2588.
Resource Centre, 472 Selkirk Ave, 589-5545.

Ray Housing
This program does not provide housing, but can help you access emergency and long-term affordable housing for youth up to age 29. Also provides a food bank for ages 17 and under, every two weeks. Provides clothing and access to medical assistance, employment/resume help, one-on-one advocacy and support, and workshops that include anger management and suicide prevention.
195 Young St, 783-5617.
Email: info@rayinc.ca

Adult Emergency Shelters

Main Street Project
Operates a 24-hour crisis intervention centre that works with individuals who are in crisis because they are intoxicated, abused, injured, lost or homeless.
75 Martha St. Main Line: 982-8245, Administration: 982-8257.
Hostel, 71 Martha St., 982-8260.
E-mail admin@mainstreetproject.ca
www.mainstreetproject.ca

Neeginan Emergency Shelter
Provides emergency shelter for Aboriginal persons 18 years and older who are homeless.
652 Main St, 943-7961

Salvation Army Booth Centre
Provides temporary shelter and referral service for homeless women, families and single men.
180 Henry Ave, 946-9402

Siloam Mission
Provides temporary emergency shelter, meals, clothing, drop-in centre, training and employment program, health care and agency referral services.
300 Princess St, 956-4344.
Email: info@siloam.ca

Special Needs Housing Services

DALACPT Housing Cooperative/Tranquility Place Housing Cooperative (Murdoch Management)
Cooperatives especially created to cater for the special needs of members with physical challenges.
757 Henderson Hwy, 982-2000.
www.lifelease.ca

Dial-A-Life Housing, Inc.
Provides suitable and affordable housing for medically displaced persons and their families of Aboriginal ancestry. For patients who have reached End Stage Renal disease and have to relocate to Winnipeg for dialysis.
100-130 Watson St, 694-9170.

Utilities Contact Information

The tenant often has to pay for some or all the utilities. It is up to you to contact the utility agencies and make them aware of your tenancy as soon as possible in order to avoid overdue bills.

Gas

Most rentals use Centra Gas, but ask your landlord first or look in the Yellow Pages under "Gas Companies".

Centra Gas (division of Manitoba Hydro) - 444 St. Mary Ave, 480-5900.

Hydro

Some homes use electric heat, which can be very expensive during the winter months. However, the budget plan may provide a more affordable option. In most rental houses and apartments the cost of hydro is the responsibility of the tenant. It is important to contact Manitoba Hydro as early as possible to ensure you have electricity once you move in. First-time customers may be required to provide a deposit, usually around $25.

Manitoba Hydro - 820 Taylor Ave, 474-4990, www.hydro.mb.ca
Customer contact centre 480-5900, 1-888-624-9376.

Water

If you are renting a private house, you will usually be expected to pay the water costs; otherwise, the cost of water is normally included in the rent of apartments.

City of Winnipeg Water Department - 510 Main St, 986-5858, www.winnipeg.ca/waterandwaste/billing

Telephone

Applying for service can be done at any Phone Centre. You may rent or buy a phone from MTS or a retail store. Acceptable identification is required, such as a driver's license or a Manitoba Health Card. A deposit is usually required and is reimbursed after a few months if you pay your bill on time. For long distance services there are several competing companies.

Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) – 225-5687, www.mts.mb.ca
Shaw Cable - 480-7429, www.shaw.ca
Canada Reconnect - 1-800-930-6644 www.canadareconnect.com

Cable Television

If you don't watch cable TV, there are four stations that provide programming free of charge. Some rental accommodations include cable in the rent. If you do choose cable, you can call MTS or Shaw Cable.

MTS TV, 225-5687, www.mts.mb.ca
Shaw Cable, 480-7429, www.shaw.ca

Buying a house

Buying a house is a big step and you will need to be sure you research the area and the house before purchasing it. Many houses are sold through real estate agents, but some people sell their houses on their own. When an agent works with you, there are fees involved. You will need to see a lawyer and there are fees for that as well.

It is also recommended you hire someone to inspect the house to ensure there is a solid foundation, no water problems, roof problems, pest problems, etc. You don’t want to walk into a house full of unexpected payments and a need for renovations. It is also a good idea to ask how much hydro and water fees are. Previous owners can give an estimate on this. After you buy a house, you may want to sign up for phone and internet. You will also need to sign up for hydro and water.

Low Income Home Owners Resource Information

Affordable Housing Initiative
This initiative is a five-year joint venture of the federal and provincial governments developed to increase the supply of affordable rental units and new housing available in Manitoba. Some of its programs include:

• New Rental Supply Program
• Repair/Conversion
• Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
• New Homeownership Supply Program

113 – 114 Garry St, 945-5566 or 1-888-689-5566.
www.gov.mb.ca/fs/housing/ahi_rent_supplement.html

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
CMHC administers the National Housing Act providing mortgage insurance, social housing programs, and helps Canadians live in safe, secure homes.
CMHC administers the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) through the city of Winnipeg for urban residents. CMHC also assists in the provision of non-profit housing. It also insures mortgage loans to approved lenders, not individuals. CMHC delivers programs through the Manitoba Métis Federation in rural Manitoba.
4th floor -10 Fort St, 983-5600, 1-888-841-4975.
www.cmhc.ca/en/ab/ofre/index.cfm

City of Winnipeg – Home Repair Program
Provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners for home repairs to assist with bringing their sub-standard dwelling up to a minimum level of health and safety and to extend the useful life of the building. It also delivers forgivable federal home repair loans for homeowners and households with disabled family members.
361 Hargrave Ave, 986-2299
www.winnipeg.ca/ppd/programs_rrap.stm

Co-operative Housing Federation
Co-ops require a share to be bought by tenants before moving in. Some co-ops have rent subsidies based on income available.
192 – 2025 Corydon Ave, 947-5411, 1-888-591-3301.

Habitat for Humanity
An international non-profit organization that uses volunteer labour and donated building materials to build affordable housing for families who would otherwise be unable to purchase a home of their own.
60 Archibald St, 233-5160.
Email: info@habitat.mb.ca

Second-hand stores

When getting started, it may be useful to go to second-hand stores to buy items such as clothing, furniture and other household needs. We recommend that second-hand items stay outside for a night/day before bringing them into the house (if possible).

• Act II Fashions, 3234 Portage Ave, 885-8180
• All Seasons Clothing, 1406 Main St, 582-3054
• Another Look Bridal Fashions, 8-111 Regent West, 222-4599
• Baby Bin Boutique, 1444 Corydon Ave, 487-4687
• Bibles for Missions Thrift Store, 919 McLeod Ave, 667-5329
• Broadway Pawn, 612 Broadway Ave, 772-1155
• Bug’n Boo Consignment Boutique, 34-845 Dakota St, 255-7505
• Cash Converters Winnipeg, 440-1615 Regent Ave, 667-5555
• Chochy’s Pawn and Swap, 409 Selkirk Ave, 589-6361
• City Pawn and Sales, 400-305 McPhillips St, 774-2244
• Closet Chick Boutique, 938 Portage Ave, 774-2442; 129B Marion, 233-2442
• D’Arcy’s ARC Thrift Shop, A-1076 Main St, 942-4457
• Deno’s Pawn Sales, 101 Sherbrook St, 772-8787
• Ellice Buy and Sell, 804 Ellice Ave, 783-6458
• Eve’s Venture New and Used Dept Store, 505 Selkirk Ave, 582-3142
• Gill’s New and Used Furniture and Appliances Warehouse, 121 Salter St, 582-8726
• Helping Hand Thrift Store, 1027 McPhillips St, 582-4334
• Love-n-Care Thrift Store, 370 Notre Dame Ave, 943-9298
• MCC Furniture Thrift Store, 18 Keewatin St, 694-3669
• MCP (baby supplies/maternity) 990 Nairn Ave, 669-3700
• The Salvation Army Thrift Store, (main line) 953-1500
  • 145 Goulet St, 233-7897
  • 1080 Nairn Ave, 661-8194
  • 1030 Empress St, 772-2050
  • 97 Sherbrook St, 772-9003
  • 3511 Roblin Blvd, 889-1018
  • 1050 Leila Ave, 586-2556
  • 50-2866 Pembina Hwy, 261-6221
• Value Village
  • 1695 Ellice Ave, 774-1315
  • 942 Jefferson Ave, 694-6844
  • 1725 Pembina Hwy, 261-8719
  • 1560 Regent Ave West, 661-9045