Latest news with #OpaskwayakCreeNation
Winnipeg Free Press
04-07-2025
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
‘Huge step for us': Opaskwayak opens downtown apartment building
At first, Lisa-Marie Lathlin's apartment hunt did not go well. The Opaskwayak Cree Nation member sought a place off-reserve in Winnipeg. She's enrolled to attend Yellowquill University College this fall. 'I couldn't find anything affordable,' Lathlin said Friday. BROOK JONES / FREE PRESS Paragon Living President & CEO Nigel Furgus helps Opaskwayak Cree Nation Chief Maureen Brown cut the ribbon at the new apartments at 380 Young St. Then Lathlin heard about a complex OCN was building downtown. By Friday, she'd settled in to her suite at 380 Young St. The Winnipeg apartment is the first of three that OCN plans to build and own by 2028. A handful more — led by various First Nations — are in the pipeline. They are rising up as governments pump funding into affordable housing projects. 'This is a huge step for us,' said Ginger Martin, chief executive of Paskwayak Business Development Corp. She and fellow Opaskwayak members were on hand for 380 Young's grand opening Friday. All 69 units have been rented, the crowd was told. First Nation members — mainly OCN, but some from places such as St. Theresa Point — account for more than 40 per cent of the tenants. OCN members took first priority. There's a mix of students, seniors and young professionals. Rent starts around $680 per month — roughly 69 per cent of the median market rent for the Centennial neighbourhood, said Nigel Furgus, president of Paragon Living. The developer ensured at least 40 per cent of the units met the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. criteria for affordable housing. That way, the seven-storey tower would be eligible for the CMHC affordable housing fund. There was a mad rush for the lesser-priced units: more than 200 applications were submitted in two weeks, Furgus recalled. 'The higher-priced units are struggling a bit more,' he said, speaking about the rental industry broadly. The most expensive units at 380 Young — at least $1,600 for two bedrooms — have been taken. (Average overall rent in Winnipeg was $1,663 in May, per and Urbanation data.) Construction on 380 Young began at least two years ago. It opened to tenants this May — nearly a year later than expected — because of two fires, Furgus said. At least one was arson; one started after the final floor had been erected and the place was drywalled. 'We kind of had to strip it, gut it and redo it,' Furgus said, adding insurance covered the cost. Ottawa contributed $15.6 million to the apartment through a national housing fund involving low-interest and forgivable loans. OCN fronted $1.8 million. It's among the first projects funded by the $14.6-billion CMHC Affordable Housing Fund that's solely First Nations-owned. 'We need to create our own source revenues,' Martin said. 'It's going to build our assets, our generational wealth.' OCN aims to open a 129-unit apartment block in St. Boniface, on Marion Street, in September 2026. A third complex in Bridgwater, with 240 units, could come in 2028. CMHC funding would be used in both projects, Martin said. 'We've always been visionaries,' said Chief Maureen Brown. The community near The Pas has more than 7,000 members, including some 3,300 who live off reserve. OCN's upcoming apartments are largely in the permit stage, Furgus said. Paragon Living has been tapped to create both. Furgus hinted at three other multi-family buildings in the works with First Nations. One, with Roseau River Anishinaabe First Nation, is being built on Chancellor Drive. Another — with 450 suites — is set for Edmonton. A third in Winnipeg should be announced within the next year, Furgus said. Now is a good time to aim for government support on housing projects, said Jino Distasio, a University of Winnipeg urban geography professor. The City of Winnipeg has received two of four $30.6-million installments through Ottawa's housing accelerator fund. The agreement targets 1,354 affordable housing units, at minimum, between December 2023 and December 2026. A remaining 1,070 are targeted between 2025 and 2026, city spokesman Adam Campbell wrote in a statement. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'What we're seeing across Canada and certainly within Winnipeg (is) a tremendous advancement of First Nations-led development,' Distasio said. It extends beyond housing: Distasio pointed to transformations at the former Kapyong Barracks on Kenaston Boulevard, the former downtown Hudson's Bay store and the historic Bank of Montreal at Portage and Main. Wehwehneh Bahgahkinahgohn alone, the Southern Chiefs' Organization's redevelopment of the Bay, could add more than 300 housing units, a child care centre and commercial space. '(Indigenous nations are) really adding a unique and important dynamic to the urban development of Winnipeg,' Distasio said. 'We're going to begin to see a dramatically different downtown and Portage in the next couple years.' Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Cision Canada
04-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Canada announces the grand opening of 69 homes in Winnipeg Français
WINNIPEG, MB, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the government today announced the grand opening of 380 Young Street, a previously announced combined investment of over $17 million for the construction of 69 housing units for Indigenous people, Indigenous students attending the University of Winnipeg, and those in need of affordable housing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The announcement was made by The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Member of Parliament for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, alongside Chief Maureen Brown of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. The property at 380 Young Street, a 69-unit apartment building owned by Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), is located adjacent to the University of Winnipeg. Developed in partnership with Paragon Living, over 40 % of the rents at 380 Young are heavily discounted in order to address the significant shortage of affordable rental units in Winnipeg. Rents for these units start at $681 per month, including high speed internet and water. The building is fully leased, with 40% of tenants being First Nation members, who have either moved off reserve to attend the University of Winnipeg or are currently living in Winnipeg. Historically, the transition from moving off reserve to the city to attend university has been a challenging experience for many. A new apartment building located next to the University of Winnipeg, owned by OCN and having affordable rents will aim to ease that transition. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Winnipeg and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. With our partners, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, we are providing a helping hand for Indigenous people, Indigenous students attending the University of Winnipeg, and those in need of affordable housing and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community." – The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Member of Parliament for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "First Nations must be at the heart of our country's economic development. True economic reconciliation means ensuring Indigenous communities lead and benefit from growth – not just as participants but as partners and decision makers. Projects like the new apartment development in Winnipeg demonstrates the power of inclusion. When we invest in Indigenous led projects, we are investing in sustainable growth for everyone." – Chief Maureen Brown of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation "We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Opaskwayak Cree Nation and CMHC to bring these new homes at 380 Young Street to Winnipeg. This project is a testament to our commitment to creating affordable, sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of Indigenous people, students, and those in need of affordable housing. By providing high-quality, affordable living spaces, we hope to ease the transition for Indigenous students moving to the city and contribute to the overall well-being of the community." – Nigel Furgus, Paragon Living Quick Facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.6 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. As of March 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $11.99 billion to support the creation of over 46,000 units and the repair of over 174,000 units through the Affordable Housing Fund. Funding previously provided for 380 Young Street is as follows: $15.6 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Strategy's Affordable Housing Fund $1.8 million from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in land and cash equity Additional Information: Visit for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Winnipeg Free Press
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
What's up: Canada Day, Countryfest, Public Domain, art of bonsai, @&% Canada Day
All across the city, Canada Day parties will celebrate the country's 158th birthday with food, fun and, in many cases, fireworks. CHRIS GAREAU / THE CARILLON FILES Winnipeggers can see fireworks at several locations on Tuesday. CHRIS GAREAU / THE CARILLON FILES Winnipeggers can see fireworks at several locations on Tuesday. Transcona BIZ is presenting a two-part Canada Day festival. In the afternoon (1-5 p.m.) check out the Canada Day Market at Transcona Centennial Square (135 Regent Ave. W.), featuring local makers such as BB Tallow Skincare Co., Urban Tails, Shrugging Doctor Beverage Co. and Bet Toba. There will be face painting, games and balloon animals for the kids and, while supplies last, free hot dogs. At 9:30 p.m., the gates will open at Buhler Recreation Park (135 Murdoch Rd.) for the fireworks — bring your blanket or lawn chair and enjoy. Similarly, in south Winnipeg, the River Park South Community Association is presenting a two-part Canada Day celebration of its own. Festivities kick off at Burland Park (150 Burland Ave.) from 4 to 8:30 p.m., with balloon artists, face painting, a craft market, live music and food trucks (including Wagyu Wagon, Engocha Ethiopian Food and the Big Dawg Smokies). The party moves to Highbury Park (99 Highbury Rd.) after dark for the fireworks, which kick off around 11 p.m. near the retention pond. Those living in north Winnipeg can start celebrating Canada Day early at Canada Fest at the Tyndall Park Community Centre (2255 King Edward St.) Sunday and Monday from 4 to 9 p.m. and from 3 to 11 p.m. on Canada Day proper. The event will feature food trucks and stalls at the Food Park (including Kyu Grill, Lobster Bae and Popoy's Golden Chicken), live spray paint art, free zumba classes, prizes and fireworks on Canada Day after dark. In the west end of the city, Assiniboine Park's Summer Entertainment Series continues with a range of Canada Day activities taking place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entertainment on the Lyric Stage includes Mama Cutsworth, Zrada and Neighbour Andy, while food trucks, a bouncy castle and pop-up patio will be set up in the Lyric Field. The outdoor garden at The Leaf will host a citizenship ceremony, salsa dance lessons, fire and tobacco teachings. (For those desperate to catch some fireworks in west Winnipeg, Assiniboia Downs will be lighting up the sky with pyrotechnics after dark.) — Ben Sigurdson Chantelle Dione photo Opaskwayak Cree Nation's Desiree Dorion performs at Countryfest this weekend. Chantelle Dione photo Opaskwayak Cree Nation's Desiree Dorion performs at Countryfest this weekend. Giddy up, country fans — Countryfest is here. Perhaps counter-intuitively, Canada's longest-running country music festival kicks off tonight with … a rock show. The Rockin' Thursday Kick Off Party will be headlined by Vancouver rock band Default, as well as a few bands-as-bands, including Winnipeg's the Haileys as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Dauphin's own Kates Outlaw as the Tragically Hip. Canadian singer-songwriter Josh Ross is the Friday-night headliner and American performer Jordan Davis takes top billing Saturday night, both supported by a genre-spanning list of acts — including, on Friday night, singer-songwriter Desiree Dorion who, fun fact, grew up about two kilometres from the grounds of Countryfest. And for those who like their country a little more old school, John Michael Montgomery, Mark Chesnutt and Lonestar are all among the mainstage performers on Sunday. The festival also offers a host of activities, including line dancing, axe throwing and, because it's Dauphin, a perogy-eating contest. Tickets — including weekend passes and camping passes — and the full lineup are available at — Jen Zoratti ALLEN E. MEADOR PHOTO Lady of the Red performs tonight ALLEN E. MEADOR PHOTO Lady of the Red performs tonight Located next door to the former Good Will Social Club, Public Domain is gaining momentum a few months ahead of its one-year anniversary, with its events schedule filling up quickly on its newly launched On Tuesdays, the bar/pizzeria/smashburger headquarters/concert venue hosts its weekly chess club, with a DJ spinning tunes. On Wednesdays, the sign-up list for karaoke is calling. And tonight, there's good music on tap for only $10. Kris Rendina and the Woke Mob headline, with Monday Morning Quarterback (Kieran Bjornson) and Lady of the Red — the updated moniker for local songwriter Larysa Musick — opening. — Ben Waldman SUPPLIED The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg hosts its biennial exhibit at WAG- Qaumajuq this weekend. SUPPLIED The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg hosts its biennial exhibit at WAG- Qaumajuq this weekend. The Bonsai Society of Winnipeg is back for its biennial exhibit at WAG-Qaumajuq. This year's exhibit of tiny trees marks the 40th anniversary of the society, which consists of more than 100 local bonsai enthusiasts. Miniature trees and landscapes, artfully sculpted by society members, will be displayed throughout the gallery. The showcase opens tonight with a ticketed gala. Guided tours of the exhibition are scheduled to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, join bonsai artists Trieu Vo and Denis Girardin for a pair of tree-shaping demonstrations in the Ilipvik centre at 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., respectively. And on Sunday at 2 p.m., Bonsai Society members will host a presentation about the artform and the nuances of training trees in Manitoba's challenging climate. Visit for more information. — Eva Wasney It wouldn't be a Canada Day party without an anti-Canada Day party. If one were debating Winnipeg's most impactful OG MCs, Nigel Webber's rich Gritty City: An Oral History of Winnipeg Hip-Hop Music 1980-2005 provides ammunition for many sides. But if we're talking after 2005, the question's already settled: Winnipeg's Most. About 15 years ago, the North End rap crew earned tens of millions of streams for its party and thug anthems such as Bang Bang and All That I Know, forging a Prairie hip-hop consciousness that went well beyond the underground. The group — now made up of Charlie Fettah and Jon-C — has been in something like a reunion mode lately, and headline Monday's F@&% Canada Day show at the Exchange Event Centre. Also on the bill are CJ the Grey — a rapper from Cross Lake First Nation who may emerge as this generation's great Prairie boom bapper — Cypha Diaz and Pip Boy. Entry to the show is free before 10:30 p.m. if you RSVP and bring a charitable donation of food or clothing for Main Street Project and Spirit Horse Initiative. Admission is $20 after 10:30 p.m. — Conrad Sweatman
CTV News
20-05-2025
- CTV News
Manitoba man who died fighting for Ukraine to be honoured
Austin Lathlin-Bercier poses in this undated family handout photo. A northern Manitoba man who went to fight alongside the Ukrainian army has died, the chief of Opaskwayak Cree Nation said Tuesday. (Handout, Faith Lathlin-Bercier/The Canadian Press)
Winnipeg Free Press
10-05-2025
- Health
- Winnipeg Free Press
Sponsored Content How Vertical Farming Is Strengthening Food Security in Manitoba
The Problem For decades, food insecurity has plagued Manitoba's isolated northern communities. In these areas, high transportation costs make healthy food harder to find and more expensive for individuals and families. Dr. Miyoung Suh, professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at UM Now, rising tensions – including U.S. threats to place tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports – are exposing vulnerabilities in Canada's food supply chains. If trade is disrupted, it could become even more difficult to get affordable produce into remote areas. 'Food security is increasingly tied to global trade dynamics,' says Dr. Miyoung Suh, a professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba (UM). 'When access to affordable, high-quality foods is restricted, we see rising rates of diabetes and obesity, especially in northern Indigenous communities. The Solution In response, a team from UM is working in Northern Manitoba with Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) to address health challenges and support local food sovereignty. Together, they identified a local solution: Smart Vertical Farming (SMART-VF). This innovative, space-efficient system uses computer-monitored lighting and climate control to grow fresh herbs and vegetables year-round. By producing food directly in the community, SMART-VF reduces reliance on costly imports and ensures a steady supply of fresh food. Suh says the concept is showing promise. Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) Smart Vertical Farming 'The ability to grow food locally – regardless of what's happening south of the border – offers communities a measure of sovereignty and stability,' Suh says. 'We're not just trying to improve fresh vegetables access; we're trying to change the trajectory of chronic health conditions to help combat disease. Initial research with these vegetables has already shown encouraging results in reducing blood pressure and obesity, with further data on diabetes expected by the end of 2025. The Impact By supporting communities to produce their own food, this research reduces dependency on imports and creates year-round access to fresh, nutritious food. 'For generations, colonialism has disrupted our connection to the land and traditional food systems. SMART-VF gives us the tools to grow food on our terms, provide food security and build a healthier future within our community', explains Stephanie Cook, Smart Farm Manager at the Opaskwayak Health Authority. 'We're not just trying to improve food access; we're trying to change the trajectory of chronic health conditions' This local supply helps lower costs and barriers, while strengthening local economic development. 'The produce will be cheaper, making it more affordable. It will also be more accessible, making it easier for people to buy vegetables and incorporate them into their everyday diet,' Suh says. 'Additionally, the facility will provide employment opportunities in crop management and tech-driven agriculture.' For nearly 150 years, the University of Manitoba has transformed lives through groundbreaking research and homegrown innovation. We push the boundaries of knowledge and do the hard work here in Manitoba to move our community and the world forward. Our researchers tackle society's most pressing challenges, from healthcare and sustainability to Arctic accessibility and security, delivering solutions that make a real impact. With a spirit of determination and discovery, we are shaping a better future for our province and beyond.
