Recently the City released the 2025 Housing Needs Assessment, and for me, it put hard numbers to what I have been hearing and fighting for every single day at City Hall. For years, I’ve pushed to make housing a real priority in Winnipeg. I’ve brought forward motions to strengthen our zoning tools, preserve older affordable homes, hold long-term vacant properties accountable, and improve city processes so we can build the homes people actually need. None of that work has been easy, but this report makes it clear why I’ve never backed down.
The need is real. It’s urgent. And families across our city are feeling it. I here from people in our community that they can’t find a home that is safe, affordable, or suitable for their family. Renters are being squeezed. Larger families can’t find space. Older housing stock is the most affordable housing we have is disappearing faster than it can be replaced. We have so many buildings that are vacant and could be used. This is exactly why I’ve fought so hard to make sure housing doesn’t fall through the cracks of political cycles or committee delays. When we lose affordable homes, we lose community stability. We lose neighbours. We lose opportunities for families to thrive.
The report confirms…
- 11% of Winnipeggers are in core housing need, meaning they cannot access housing that is affordable, adequate, and suitable.
- More than 2,400 people are experiencing homelessness, the highest count ever recorded in Winnipeg.
- Older housing, especially the most affordable homes are being lost due to fires, vacancy, deterioration, and age.
- Renters, single mothers, newcomers, Indigenous residents, young adults, and seniors over 85 are among the most impacted.
These numbers aren’t just statistics. They’re people. They’re families. They’re our neighbours right here in Daniel McIntyre, and across the entire city.
That is why I’ve pushed so hard on housing motions, Some of these motions have taken months even years of work. But I’ve stayed on them and pushed the city to make changes we need to increase affordable housing, make housing safe and revive aging communities.
Here are some of the areas I’ve pushed for:
Stronger tools for long-term vacant and neglected properties:
Properties that sit empty for years hurt entire blocks. I brought forward motions calling for stronger enforcement, forced rehabilitation tools, and even municipal expropriation when owners refuse to take responsibility.
Protecting older, affordable homes from being lost;
Preserving housing stock saves families. I’ve championed strategies to secure older homes before they disappear, because once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.
Smarter zoning and faster permitting;
We need housing built faster, and in the right places. I’ve consistently pushed to streamline our processes so families aren’t left waiting for homes that should already exist.
City owed properties for public benefit;
I’ve supported policies that ensure city-owned properties can be used for affordable and attainable housing, not just left idle.
This has been long, detailed work, but work I believe in. Housing shapes every part of a person’s life: safety, stability, education, health, and community.
Looking ahead, We must act now;
This Housing Needs Assessment reinforces what many of us have known for a long time. Winnipeg needs a coordinated, citywide approach to housing, and it needs it now.
Thank you to everyone who continues to share their experiences. Your stories guide this work. They ground the motions I bring forward. And they remind me why this fight matters so much.
Cindy Gilroy
