The provincial government has issued a request for expressions of interest (REOI) with regard to the former provincially run low-income housing property at 4 Hemlock Drive.
The announcement, made on June 15, came from Manitoba Families Minister Scott Fielding.
“We are looking for unique and innovative ideas that reflect the needs of this community, maximize the benefit of this property and improve access to housing for all Manitobans,” Fielding said in a media release.
“This is a fresh start on a project that Flin Flon has been anticipating for some time now.”
That anticipation has existed in Flin Flon since 2012, when the 14-unit building was evacuated over safety concerns that were deemed too costly to repair. In 2012 and 2013, the provincial government of the time said low-income units would be built elsewhere in the city – a plan that never materialized. In 2014, the provincial government said the site would most likely be turned into seniors’ housing, which has been a priority in the city.
When the PC government took over from the NDP in 2016, it said it would follow through on the plans to build seniors’ housing on the site. There has been little movement on the project since 2016.
Mayor Cal Huntley addressed the project during the June 19 meeting of council.
“They’re out for proposal for potential investors to develop that property they’re looking toward, so that’s a positive move in that direction,” said Huntley.
Huntley also noted in the media release that housing is integral to the well being of communities across Manitoba.
“I’m glad Flin Flon will once again benefit from the 4 Hemlock Drive site. This community’s greatest resource is its people and we are always looking for opportunities to help residents live, grow and thrive here.”
While seniors’ housing and low-income housing have both been promised for Flin Flon since the building was evacuated, the type of housing that could exist on the property is still up in the air. However, the REOI document notes Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation’s mandate is to provide affordable housing to low-income seniors, families, single persons and people with disabilities throughout the province.
The REOI document states that supportive housing, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, shelters and crisis care facilities will be ineligible under this REOI.
A spokesperson for Manitoba Housing said the REOI is open to any housing type with the exception of those specifically listed in the document.
According to the REOI, the property at 4 Hemlock Drive was appraised in March 2018 for a value of $23,800. The building is currently zoned as residential multi-family.
The REOI shows photographs of parts of the building with mold and water damage, as well as frost buildup on joists and mechanical equipment.
While the REOI is a provincial process, the spokesperson said Manitoba Housing has consulted with the City of Flin Flon in its preparation and will continue to do so.
“Following the close of the REOI, one or more proponents may be invited to further develop their ideas into a detailed proposal and, or, enter direct negotiations for the transfer and redevelopment of the property,” said the spokesperson.
The REOI is open to any organization or company wishing to redevelop the site. Submissions will be accepted until 2 pm on Thursday, July 26.
