WINNIPEG, MB – Today a broad community-based coalition of North End organizations announced it will guide redevelopment of the Merchants Hotel on Selkirk Avenue. Effective April 29, 2012, the North End Community Renewal Corporation (on behalf of community partners), will assume responsibility for and secure the building at 541 Selkirk Avenue and continue the process of guiding the redevelopment of the Selkirk Avenue structure into an inter-generational, multi-use facility.
The community coalition is made up of approximately 20 North End organizations including:the North End Community Renewal Corporation, Urban Circle Training Centre Inc., The Selkirk Avenue BIZ, Andrews Street Family Centre, Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Ndinawemaaganag Endaawaad Inc., Community Education Development Agency, the University of Winnipeg Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies, Red River College and SEED Winnipeg.
“Selkirk Avenue is central to the life of North End residents and we look forward to revitalizing the neighbourhood and renewing the welcoming spirit of community,” said Rob Neufeld, Executive Director of North End Community Renewal Corporation (NECRC). “Many people have worked diligently and look forward to seeing this project begin. This is truly a celebration of collaboration, energy and vision.”
At the heart of the redevelopment plan is the three story building at 541 Selkirk Avenue, constructed in 1913 as a hardware store and converted in 1933 into the Merchants Hotel. The hotel was purchased by the Province of Manitoba at a cost of $1.3 million. The province is assisting the community coalition by holding the property until a development plan is established and implemented by the community partners.
The existing building and addition, plus four adjoining lots currently used for parking on Pritchard Avenue will be converted to a new use based on community consultation. During the next six months, the community coalition will build on the results of community consultations which took place in the fall and winter of 2011-2012 to continue to develop a comprehensive plan for reuse of the space. The community envisions a vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood resource at the historic corner of Selkirk Avenue and Andrews Street that will blend new housing, educational opportunities and commercial enterprise into a destination hub.
The housing project will be lead by the Winnipeg Housing and Rehabilitation Corporation, a well-established non-profit developer who understands the significance of this re-development opportunity to Winnipeg’s North End. The development of affordable family housing on Pritchard Avenue will provide a housing option for families who are furthering their education and training and also serves to enhance the residential neighbourhood in the vicinity of Merchants Corner.
“Working with the NECRC and community partners to revitalize the Selkirk Avenue and adjoining neighbourhoods demonstrates the value we place on community-driven programs and projects that renew older structures like the Merchants Hotel, turning them into viable properties that reflect vision and spirit of the community,” said Premier Greg Selinger.
Community Elders, Stan McKay, Stella Blackbird and Ann Callahan, associated with the Community Vision for Merchants Corner affirm that “The search for community with safety and economic activity has driven this process forward. We look forward to the ongoing involvement of the community in the realization of their hopeful vision.”
“Many groups and individuals have been working for a very long time to develop places of wellness in our community. It is by working together that we are able to realize this vision,” said Diane Roussin, Executive Director of the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre.
The Winnipeg Foundation and the Province of Manitoba contributed to the feasibility study for the site and the University of Winnipeg Community Renewal Corporation has been contracted to work with the community coalition in coordinating renewal of the site.
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Rob Neufeld, Executive Director
North End Community Renewal Corporation
(204) 927-2331 cell 293-1855
robert@necrc.org
Stan McKay, Community Elder
Makoonsag Intergenerational Children’s Centre, Inc.
Gladstone, Manitoba
(204) 385-2134
dotmckay@mts.net
Diane Roussin, Executive Director
Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre
(204) 925-0300
droussin@mamawi.com
Rachel Morgan, Press Secretary to Cabinet
Province of Manitoba
(204) 945-1494
rachel.morgan@leg.gov.mb.ca
