also made it possible for them to move on and get the help they need,” she says. The plan also helps strengthen ties with surrounding communities, ensuring that services extend beyond city limits. TACKLING THE HOUSING CRUNCH IN THOMPSON The housing shortage is not just a problem for major urban centers—it’s also a pressing issue for northern communities like Thompson. As demand for affordable homes continues to rise across North America, Thompson faces similar challenges, with low vacancy rates and skyrocketing rent prices. This obstacle requires innovative solutions for a town trying to grow its population and provide for a diverse range of residents. Mayor Smook is forthright about the current housing situation. “The vacancy rate in our apartments is very low, likely less than 2%,” she says, adding that rental prices have doubled in the last decade.“Right now, you’re paying approximately $1,000 for a twobedroom apartment,” she explains, pointing to the difficulty of finding affordable housing in the area. This is a significant problem, especially for lowerincome residents and seniors who struggle to keep up with rising costs. To address the issue, the city has taken proactive steps to secure funding and partner with local organizations. Mayor Smook notes that the province awarded Thompson $1.3 million a couple of years ago to work on housing initiatives.“One of the things we needed was affordable housing, especially for seniors,” she says. The city allocated that funding to the Mamawi Tuck Friendship Centre, which is building a 12-unit apartment block.The hope is that this will alleviate some of the pressure, but it’s clear that more needs to be done to meet the growing demand. Beyond senior housing, the city is looking at broader solutions to expand its housing stock. Mayor Smook mentions a massive 89-acre development project, Pusiko. “The Kuwait and Tribal Council purchased the land from the city,” she explains, adding that 283 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11 THOMPSON, MB
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx