A neighbourhood in Winnipeg’s north end is beginning to see signs of renewal as new homes replace long-abandoned properties, offering residents renewed optimism while the city expands efforts to tackle hundreds of vacant buildings.
One of the first beneficiaries is Jesse Bettcher, who recently moved into a newly built two-storey home after purchasing it through a pilot program designed to promote affordable homeownership.
The property where Bettcher now lives was once occupied by a burned-out building, as were several nearby lots. He said the opportunity allowed his family to leave a deteriorating rental home and begin building long-term financial security through homeownership.
Despite having a credit score below 500, Bettcher was able to purchase the home with assistance that included financing support from a provincial credit union. Instead of paying rent, the family now makes mortgage payments that will build equity for future generations.
The lot was sold by the City of Winnipeg to Purpose Construction for just $1, allowing the affordable housing project to move forward. Additional funding has also been provided by the provincial government.
Local community leaders believe projects like these are essential to reversing years of neighbourhood decline.
Darrell Warren, head of the William Whyte Neighbourhood Association, said replacing vacant lots with new homes gives residents visible proof that the community is improving and encourages people to remain in the neighbourhood.
The William Whyte neighbourhood currently contains approximately 300 boarded-up buildings or vacant lots, compared with around 60 when Warren began advocating for neighbourhood renewal in 2017. The area now represents a significant share of Winnipeg’s more than 800 vacant buildings.
Vacant properties have become an increasing concern across Winnipeg as aging housing, suburban migration, poverty and substance abuse have contributed to neighbourhood deterioration.
Residents say abandoned homes create both safety and quality-of-life concerns.
Local resident Tracy McKenzie said children are often tempted to explore empty buildings, while repeated fires at abandoned properties have become a constant worry for nearby families.
According to the city, firefighters responded to 232 fires in the William Whyte neighbourhood during 2024, costing approximately $14.5 million.
Warren also highlighted a group of three abandoned houses owned by the same landlord that have experienced 12 fires over the past three years, including one blaze that destroyed the garage of a neighbouring occupied home.
As the problem worsens, the City of Winnipeg has responded by boosting enforcement, including higher taxes on vacant properties, more inspections and tougher requirements to secure abandoned buildings.
The city has also begun seizing 48 neglected properties without compensation from owners deemed negligent and has streamlined the legal process to accelerate future seizures.
Most recently, Winnipeg launched a grant program offering up to $35,000 to help property owners renovate vacant buildings and return them to residential use.
Emma Fineblit, the city’s neighbourhood revitalization coordinator, said the strategy combines stronger enforcement with financial incentives to encourage redevelopment. While new affordable housing remains a priority, restoring existing homes can provide additional housing at a lower cost while improving neighbourhood safety and community stability.
For long-time residents such as Warren, the goal is to restore the sense of community that once defined the neighbourhood, where neighbours knew one another, children played safely outside and families looked after each other.
He is convinced that with ongoing investment and redevelopment, the community can once again become a vibrant place to live.
