project
WHRC Balmoral At-Risk Housing
location
Treaty 1, Southport, MB
size
~36,895 ft2
year
2026
status
Currently in Design Phase
the people
The Winnipeg Housing Rehabilitation Corporation (WHRC), in partnership with the First Nations Family Advocate Office and Spence Neighbourhood Association, is advancing a new supportive housing project to address the urgent needs of First Nation youth aging out of care. f-BLOK has worked closely with project partners through planning and design to understand the operational, cultural, and social supports needed to create a stable and empowering home for youth transitioning to independence.
Led by f-BLOK as prime consultant, the project is being shaped through a collaborative, engagement-driven process centred on the voices of youth and community partners. Youth engagement has informed the design throughout, helping to guide priorities around safety, belonging, cultural connection, and trauma-informed environments. This collaborative approach has brought together housing providers, advocates, and designers to create a project that supports both the people who will live in the building and the support networks that will help them thrive.
The Process
the result
The proposed six-storey, 54-unit supportive housing development at 575 Balmoral is designed to provide safe, inclusive, and culturally grounded housing for First Nation youth aging out of care. Replacing the former Centre Village site, the new building addresses long-standing safety and functionality challenges while creating a high-performance residential environment that supports healing, independence, and community.
To achieve these objectives, the design emphasizes trauma-informed planning, accessibility, operational support, and spaces that foster connection and wellbeing.
Key features and program elements include:
54 supportive housing units, including one- and two-bedroom suites designed for youth transitioning to independent living
Barrier-free units and accessible design features supporting inclusivity and long-term usability
Shared spaces designed to support community, cultural programming, and social connection
Dedicated areas to accommodate 24/7 on-site wrap-around support services
Trauma-informed, non-institutional design strategies that prioritize dignity, safety, and comfort
Design elements that promote cultural visibility and support Indigenous identity and belonging
Energy-efficient building systems and sustainable design strategies supporting long-term performance
Site redevelopment that replaces outdated infrastructure with a purpose-built supportive housing model
The result is a future-focused supportive housing project that responds to urgent community needs while creating a stable foundation for youth to grow and thrive. By integrating housing, support services, and culturally grounded design, the project aims to establish a lasting model for inclusive and empowering youth housing in Winnipeg.
