It was fitting that the background noise for the Manitoba Metis Federation’s announcement it will construct a $14.8 million mixed-use development on Eveline Street was the hum of machines reconstructing the street itself.
Investing in a forward-thinking downtown
The city’s $7.2 million reconstruction of a portion of the iconic street that runs alongside the Red River is an investment that will make the downtown safer and more accessible. The MMF’s mix of housing and commercial development is in line with the city’s vision for the area that’s laid out in Selkirk’s Downtown Renewal Strategy.
“The reconstruction of seven blocks of Eveline Street will bring it up to modern standards for accessibility while improving lighting, public safety and adding an active transportation pathway as well as other urban design best practices,” said city CAO Duane Nicol.
“The MMF 55-plus development includes residential as well as commercial space and it’s exactly the type of investment the city wants to attract. We want people living in our downtown within walking distance of local businesses and services, we want them walking and taking advantage of our active transportation system, and we want them to feel safe. The city’s investments and strategies are achieving these goals.”
Commitment to environmental principles align with Selkirk’s
The six-story, residential/commercial, 55-plus building will be built on Eveline on four consolidated lots the MMF owns. There will be 49 units – ranging from one bedroom, one bedroom and a den to two- and three-bedroom – along with commercial space on the second and main floors. There will be office space for the MMF as well.
Heated, indoor parking will be included.
David Chartrand, President of the MMF, said the Métis government’s housing policy and commitment to environmental and sustainable design principles aligns with those held by the City of Selkirk, making the investment a synergistic one.
“I am proud to announce this new development in the City of Selkirk that will provide housing for the Red River Metis people along with programming and business opportunities,” Chartrand said.
“We are excited about investing in the City of Selkirk, a government that shares our government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and with its Downtown Renewal Strategy has demonstrated its dedication to reducing urban sprawl and creating safe and livable communities for all.”
Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson said the city is thrilled to welcome the MMF to Eveline Street and downtown, and he commends them on their visions for urban planning.
“This is exciting news that the Manitoba Métis Federation is investing in the City of Selkirk,” Johannson said.
“We’ve worked hard on the policies and strategies that will help shape our revitalized downtown and right now we’re investing $7.2 million in the redevelopment of Eveline to make it safer, more accessible and more pedestrian friendly. The MMF shares our goals and appreciates our environmental efforts. I’m thrilled that President Chartrand and the MMF have selected our city, and our downtown, to invest in.”
Nicol said the project aligns with the city’s Climate Change Mitigation Strategy and he commended the MMF on its commitment to addressing climate change and reducing greenhouse gases in its projects.
The building will be built to meet or exceed current Manitoba Energy Codes for Buildings and will include high efficiency heat recovery ventilation units and high efficiency heating and cooling systems that will be occupancy based and will only activate when spaces are occupied or when sensors require it.
The units will also have LED lighting with occupancy and daylight controls where feasible and water efficient plumbing fixtures to meet or exceed LEED standards to minimize consumption and hot water generation.
Will Goodon, Minister of Housing and Property Management for the MMF, said the Metis government has an excellent relationship with Selkirk and the city’s commitment to the environment was very attractive to the MMF.
“This will be built with leading practices and design in energy efficiency, that’s something that we take seriously in every build, right across the province,” Goodon said.
“Your MMF and your Metis government has a commitment to address climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and that’s always front and centre in all the projects that we do, including this one.
“We are committed to our communities, places like Selkirk. One of the things I’ve noticed over the years, since we started working in different communities is the support you have from the local government is absolutely vital to the success of a project. I can say, without a doubt, Selkirk is one of those places that has reached out and embraced the Red River Metis and obviously is wanting to partner with our investment here.”
Construction is set to begin in 2023 with an expected completion date in 2024.
