Media Release: Rana Bokhari pledges to seize derelict housing; make available for non-profit groups

Oct. 4, 2022 –

For immediate release:

Mayoral Candidate Rana Bokhari says she will seize derelict housing in the city and work with local non-profit housing groups to turn those houses into affordable and rent-geared-to-income housing.

Rana notes the city already has the by-laws and legal processes in place to take the title for homes in the city that pose a risk to the surrounding neighbourhood.

“I’m not sure why the city isn’t acting on these homes, but there are more than 700 houses that currently meet the city’s criteria for derelict housing.

“They pose a large risk to the community, being targets for arson, vandalism and crime.

“This puts other homes at risk, firefighter and police lives at risk, brings down property values and is a lost opportunity to help those who need safe, clean housing.”

Once seized, some homes would be demolished at the cost of the previous property owner, and the land and/or home offered for free to charitable groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Winnipeg Housing Rehab Corporation and others.

She notes other candidates have made similar pledges but will hand the housing off to for-profit developers who “promise” to build affordable housing.

“We’ve seen in the past just how often developers keep their promises around affordable housing,” says Rana, noting a lack of affordable housing at developments such as True North Square despite pledges to do so.

“When you give it to a non-profit whose only goal is placing low-income people into housing they can afford, it’s a guarantee instead of a promise.”

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For more information:

Elisha Dacey, Press Secretary

204-290-8009

team@rana4wpg.ca