Downtown Centre Village housing complex slated for demolition [Video]

A social housing complex once touted as a beacon of hope in Winnipeg’s core will face the wrecking ball less than 15 years after it was built.

Located at 575 Balmoral Street, Centre Village went up in 2010 as co-op housing for newcomers and low-income families. At the time, the complex won several awards for its architecture, but design flaws and security concerns led to the building’s demise and its eventual abandonment.

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“It’s a mistake,” said David, who lives near the complex. “It’s got security features that are no good, and people couldn’t live in there.”

Manitoba Housing took ownership of the complex in 2015. In the years that followed, vacancies at the property rose.

By 2022, Centre Village was completely shut down, only to be further ravaged by fires and crime.

“All the players …