Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation

The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC) is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to the development, renovation, ownership, and management of affordable housing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Incorporated on January 27, 1978, WHRC primarily focuses on providing safe, secure, quality, and affordable housing for individuals and families with low or modest incomes, especially within Winnipeg's inner city neighborhoods.

History and Mandate

WHRC was established following approval by Winnipeg City Council on June 1, 1977. Its foundational by-law was amended as recently as January 24, 1996. The corporation’s mandate encompasses the acquisition, improvement, rehabilitation, or conversion of existing buildings to provide housing accommodations available either for sale or rent. The organization targets housing needs for persons with low or modest income levels, thereby supporting community stability and development within Winnipeg.

Governance

The corporation is governed by a volunteer board consisting of a minimum of nine and a maximum of eleven members. The board includes:

• Three members of the Winnipeg City Council, including the Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Property & Development.
• Representatives from the City’s finance or development area.
• Appointees from the Manitoba Home Builders Association and the Social Planning Council.
• A representative appointed by the Province of Manitoba.
• Individuals from the private sector, education community, and those with Indigenous, Métis, or recent immigrant backgrounds.
• Citizen members-at-large appointed by the board.

The diverse composition ensures broad representation across different sectors and community interests, guiding WHRC’s strategic direction and operational oversight.

Programs and Services

WHRC owns or manages over 40 residential properties in Winnipeg, providing a mix of affordable, subsidized, and some market-rent housing units. Its services include:

• Affordable housing rental options for individuals and families.
• Subsidized housing programs targeting lower-income households.
• Neighborhood housing strategy development aimed at revitalizing inner-city communities.

Eligibility criteria require applicants to be legal residents of Canada, meet Manitoba residency requirements, and be at least 18 years old. Families with minor children are eligible to apply as well.

Tenant Services

WHRC offers convenient services to tenants, including the recent introduction of online banking for rental payments, enabling hassle-free, paperless transactions. The corporation maintains tenant relations through scheduled appointments with property managers and adheres to safety protocols in its office operations.

Vision and Mission

WHRC’s mission is to lead positive change by providing affordable housing options throughout Winnipeg neighborhoods. Its vision emphasizes delivering safe, secure, quality housing that supports the well-being of individuals and families in the community.

By facilitating access to affordable and quality housing, the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation plays a crucial role in enhancing community livability and fostering socioeconomic inclusion within Winnipeg.

Note: This article is based on publicly available information about the Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation as of early 2025.