Old Grace Housing Co-operative Inc. (OGHC) is a new non-profit, mixed income, multi-generational housing co-operative in Winnipeg’s Wolseley neighbourhood.
Initiated in early 2012 by a group of individuals interested in creating housing on the site of the original Grace Hospital, it was incorporated as a housing co-operative in 2014 and now has more than 200 members.
OGHC has 60 apartments, including 30 earmarked for lower income residents. The building and landscaping are uniquely designed to complement the houses in the neighbourhood. A high degree of energy-efficiency is planned and two Peg City Car Co-op vehicles will be on site.
Over 60 per cent of the apartments were spoken for in the first application period. A second application window for members closes Apr. 4, 2016.
Co-operative president Sandra Hardy said there were still be a number of two, three, and four bedroom units available.
“The units are affordably priced, the building will be environmentally sustainable, and the members are committed to establishing a vibrant co-operative in a welcoming neighbourhood,” Hardy said.
OGHC has received grants from Manitoba Co-operative Association and Assiniboine Credit Union. The Manitoba government is providing a forgivable loan for the lower-income apartments.
Prior to being selected by the Province to develop the co-op on the provincially-owned site, OGHC had undertaken a broad range of consultations with neighbours, housing agencies, community organizations and local businesses.
OGHC ‘s professional team included DSI Tandem Co-op Resources, Prairie Architects Inc. and HTFC Planning and Design, with Concord Projects providing construction management. It is anticipated construction will begin in June, with occupancy in early 2018.
Planning has also begun on building ten single bedroom apartments on a second adjacent site at 905 Preston Ave.
For more information visit the website www.oldgracehousingcoop.ca