Construction has officially begun on Shanghai Residence, a $20-million affordable housing development in Winnipeg’s Chinatown.

The groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday was attended by community leaders and representatives from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments.

The seven-storey building will provide 54 affordable housing units designed with newcomers to Canada in mind.

The development is taking place on the former site of the Shanghai Restaurant at 232 King Street, which has remained vacant for more than a decade.

Saturday’s ceremony coincided with National Housing Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about housing and homelessness issues in Canada.

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham highlighted the importance of housing for newcomers, noting that having access to affordable accommodation helps them build a stable life in the city.

“Having housing available for newcomers will make the transition into Winnipeg much easier,” Gillingham said. Manitoba Housing Minister Bernadette Smith, a North End native, emphasized Chinatown’s historic role as a welcoming area for new residents.

“This is the kind of housing that brings hope, stability, and a real chance for families to build their future,” she said.

Funding for Shanghai Residence comes from multiple sources. The federal Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has contributed $14.3 million through the affordable housing fund.

The province of Manitoba is providing $3.7 million through the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation, and the city of Winnipeg is contributing $535,000 in tax financing grants via its heritage and economic development incentive.

Additional support has come from community donations, according to Ray Wan, project architect and president of the Winnipeg Chinese Cultural and Community Centre.

While the building primarily targets newcomers, units will also be available for other families in need of affordable housing.

Construction is expected to be completed within 18 to 20 months, with marketing to prospective residents beginning approximately one year from now.

Shanghai Residence represents a major step in addressing Winnipeg’s housing shortage and promoting inclusive urban development, particularly for immigrant communities.

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