Winnipeg housing complex for 2SLGBTQ+ seniors gets big donation as it looks to expand

A Winnipeg housing complex for people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community is getting more money to help it expand.

The Rainbow Resource Centre is getting a $750,000 donation from Canada Life and the Power Corporation of Canada — a group of companies that Canada Life is part of — to continue developing Place of Pride. The $20-million project at 545 Broadway provides affordable housing for 2SLGBTQ+ people over 55 years old.

The next phase of the project would build spaces for programming and community gatherings, counselling rooms, a library, a café and permaculture gardens.

Canada Life CEO Paul Mahon said once completed, the 12,000-square-foot campus will be a place where members of the 2SLGBTQ+ can thrive.

"By creating a dedicated space where older adults can live with dignity, security and a sense of belonging, they're not only providing housing but also building community and connection," Mahon said.

Matt Cutler, Rainbow Resource Centre board chair, said the expansion will allow thousands more to access the centre's programming, but that it is more about what the community can do with it.

"The campus means that we can come together as a community to celebrate and to mourn, to just be together," he said.

"When you know that there's a place that's for you. When you know that there's a place when you go there, people will know you, or at least they will know about you and your life, and that you're welcomed there, it's so critical."

Construction of a four-story building with 21 housing units wrapped up in August. 

Mary Agnes Welch, past chair of the Westminster Housing Society, a partner on the housing side of the project, said it's already almost fully-tenanted.

Welch said centre saw the need for affordable housing in a community which had been under-served.

"Oftentimes when folks are a little bit older and they're moving into … older communities, they have to go back into the closet," she said.

"They don't always have spaces that are uniquely for them and where they can be themselves and feel comfortable.… That's sort of what this really unique model provides."

Phase 2 is set to start construction early next year.