Women’s centre gets $568K for expansion project

A Winnipeg women’s centre is getting a grant from the provincial government to support its capital expansion project.

Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced Thursday the North Point Douglas Women’s Centre is receiving $568,400 in provincial funding.

The one-time grant will help the organization plan for its proposed development at 197 Euclid Ave. The proposed project includes construction of a new 10,500-sq-ft. resource centre designed to better meet the needs of women and families in North Point Douglas. Future phases of development will include up to 18 units of on-site supportive housing.

The site is near the organization’s current location at 221 Austin St. N.

The initiative responds to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and its 231 Calls for Justice by providing culturally safe, trauma-informed supports for Indigenous women and girls.

“North Point Douglas Women’s Centre has been a trusted partner and neighbourhood lifeline for decades,” Fontaine said. “By supporting Indigenous women-led and community-driven initiatives like this one, our government is investing in safer and healthier communities and a growing space where women and families can access the services they need to thrive.”

Melissa Chung-Mowat, executive director at the women’s centre, expressed gratitude for the investment.

“This is a critical first step toward creating more space for programming, cultural supports, and exploring future opportunities for supportive and affordable housing,” she said.

The investment is being made through Mino’Ayaawag Ikwewag: All Women Doing Well, the provincial government’s $60-million strategy to support safety, protection and empowerment of Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit and gender-diverse people.