Year: 2024
Location: Winnipeg
Client: West Central Women's Resource Centre
Budget: $9.3 million

This newly restored historic building in Winnipeg marks a transformative step in supporting women and children fleeing gender-based violence. Developed through Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative, the project is led by the West Central Women’s Resource Centre (WCWRC) in partnership with Ikwe-Widdjiitiwin Inc. and the North End Women’s Centre.

Located just one block from WCWRC’s main site on Ellice Avenue, the 22,000 square foot facility spans four floors and a rooftop, offering 16 fully furnished transitional housing units with a total of 34 beds. These include six three-bedroom units, six two-bedroom units, and four one-bedroom units providing safe, affordable housing where women and their children can stay for up to two years—or longer if needed—as they stabilize and rebuild their lives.

A standout feature is the 3,000-square-foot rooftop garden, designed to be child-friendly and accessible by elevator. This peaceful green space offers a place for reflection, play, and healing, reinforcing the centre’s commitment to holistic wellness.

Inside, the building houses a comprehensive resource and counselling hub. It includes on-site childcare, a vibrant playtrium, private counselling rooms, and a conference space for workshops and community programming. The entire facility is fully accessible and designed with cultural safety in mind, incorporating Indigenous design elements and trauma-informed principles to ensure every woman feels seen, respected, and supported.