(Photo credit: IDO Media) Thank you to the Sou'Wester for covering this story News in brief: Major residential complex breaks ground in Fort Garry By: Staff                    Posted: 10/15/2018 4:19 PM   Construction has begun on a 16-storey, 352 unit...

A 1,095 ft sq house is listed on MLS and is being marketed with having 7 BEDROOMS – 4 on the main floor and 3 are in the basement. I’ve received many calls inquiring if it is legal to have the house advertised in this manner. Seven bedrooms in a 1,095 sq ft house...

Investigation by the Fire Inspector is one of the most serious levels of investigation . Life safety is top priority. The Fire Inspector determined the property at Grierson Avenue violated the Manitoba Fire Code. The landlord appealed the Fire Inspectors decision and...

For the past 3.5 years I’ve worked with community members and focused much of my time on understanding and combatting illegal rooming houses in the communities of Ft Richmond and University Heights. These two communities ‘sandwich’ the University of Manitoba. One...

A new multi-family apartment complex is under construction in the 100 block of University Crescent. Two buildings are being constructed, one with 14 units, and the other with 18 units. Between the two buildings would be a shared courtyard and ample bike parking!...

A new apartment complex with 104 units is being proposed for 30 and 34 University Crescent. This project is a work in progress and the developers would like to hear your views on the design of the building.  For more info, visit the project website http://30uc.ca/ ...

The University of Manitoba is seeking committed individuals to guide development of the 120-acre Southwood Lands, an exciting new destination neighbourhood. Priority for this once-in-a-generation opportunity will be placed on mixed-use, sustainable community building...

I encourage you to attend one of two open houses on December 13 and December 20 regarding a proposed residential development in our community. PLEASE NOTE:  I made a commitment to residents in South Winnipeg-St. Norbert that I would always encourage developers to host...

Following a Motion I brought forward in April 2017, the City's Standing Policy Committee on Property and Development, Heritage and Downtown Development directed the Winnipeg Public Service to consult with other municipalities that have implemented regulatory licensing...

Over the last three years, the community has made excellent progress on understanding rental house challenges.  See Councillors Report to the Community. We’ve worked with multiple departments in the City, and over the past six months, residents believe they are seeing...

My Councillor’s Report to the Community on Illegal Rooming Houses provides an overview of the work initiated by the Fort Richmond-University Heights Neighbourhood Association, myself and many others in order to combat the proliferation of illegal rooming houses in the...

This summary provides a high level overview about establishing, opposing and enforcement of home-based businesses in residential communities. For complete details, see Home Based Business on the City of Winnipeg website.   APPROVAL PROCESS for Home-Based Business...

As of July, 2017, residents are now able to search properties on the City of Winnipeg website to see if building permits have been secured for construction in residential homes.  This is a new and important tool to combat illegal rooming houses. Permits provide a...

My office receives many E-Mails and phone calls from residents asking why it takes the City so long to resolve a by-law infraction. This overview is meant to help you understand the process involved in reporting infractions, investigation timelines and the City’s...

Since focusing on the illegal rooming house issue when I was elected as City Councillor in fall 2014, I’ve worked to peel back layer upon layer of involvement by many stakeholders in order to understand the crux of the issue and begin developing solutions.  For...

I am very pleased to present my Councillor's Report to the Community on Illegal Rooming Houses. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the work initiated by the Fort Richmond-University Heights Neighbourhood Association, myself and many others in order to...

"This is such a massive problem with rooming houses that I don’t think it’s enough for one person to handle it."  Laura Philip hit the proverbial nail on the head when she made this statement to the reporter for The Sou’Wester (see article below). Since focusing on...

It is VERY IMPORTANT to review all the information on this page to understand the ‘big picture’ in reporting by-law infractions. The most common by-law infractions in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward are listed below, along with details on HOW to PROPERLY...

A new residential and commercial project is being proposed in St. Norbert, on the corner of Pembina Highway and Rue des Trappistes. The developer, Neil Dueck, is hosting an information meeting about the project.  Everyone is invited to attend. DATE:  Wednesday, June...

A number of homes in South Winnipeg are owned by absentee landlords who, unfortunately, are not performing regular, required  maintenance on their properties. Through its Neighbourhood Liveability By-Law, the City of Winnipeg regulates the maintenance of homes/yards...

It's been one year since we announced the formation of the Fort Richmond–University Heights Neighbourhood Association.  Please join me at the Association's Annual General Meeting on May 24 to learn about their efforts, progress and future plans.  I will be in...

On May 10, I invite all landlords to attend an information session. I want to reach out to everyone who is interested in learning more about their obligations and legal responsibilities as a landlord renting rooms in the area around the University of Manitoba.  ...

I've requested that the Winnipeg Public consult with other municipalities that have implemented regulatory licensing requirements for single-family homes with rental rooms, and report back within 90 days with an implementation plan to identify, license and inspect...

The Winnipeg Public Service has released a new report summarizing changes to the Fire Prevention By-Law, and new fees (See Pages 12-13) are being established to support business processes and services in the Fire Prevention Branch. The NEW Fire Prevention By-law is...

Over the past two years, the issue of combatting illegal rooming houses has been a Ward Priority for my office.  Thankfully, a recent fire on March 25 did not result in any deaths.  It did, however, reinforce the need for a crackdown and more aggressive action on this...

Does international education hold the potential to be a ‘super growth sector’ in Manitoba? Should we be placing a strategic focus on transitioning from a resource-based economy to a modern services economy? Global Affairs Canada states international education in...

On February 11, 2017, Sherry Reich, Senior Fire Prevention Officer for the City of Winnipeg, presented an information session on Winnipeg Fire Codes related to legal and illegal rooming houses.  Community residents in attendance learned many important takeaways in the...

In 2016, the University of Manitoba’s Sustainability Department conducted the first ever comprehensive transportation survey, and the results are now in. The survey was directed to staff and students, and resulted in 4,384 people sharing their experiences and...

The University of Manitoba class of City Planning Master’s students have just released three reports highlighting their research on illegal rooming houses, land use planning, zoning, affordable housing, transportation issues, short term and long term solutions ........

At a packed house on January 11, 2017, residents in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert area received a presentation from Master's Students on the challenges and proposed solutions to the rental housing issues in our community.   As soon as I receive the...

Please plan on attending an informative evening on January 11 at Richmond Kings Community Centre (666 Silverstone). We will be starting the presentation at 7:30 pm sharp!! Under the direction and guidance of Dr. Orly Linovski from the University of Manitoba, City...

In the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward, from 2008 to 2015, a total of 5 permits for Secondary Suites were requested and approved. For details, refer to this very good description of Secondary Suites Visit the City's Planning, Property and Development page for...

WHAT is a Secondary Suite? Secondary Suites are constructed private residential additions to single family residences.  Sometimes referred to as "granny suites", they provide the basic requirements for living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation. A Secondary Suite is a...

Please join myself and Sherry Reich, Senior Fire Prevention Officer for the City of Winnipeg, at an information session on Saturday, February 11 regarding Winnipeg Fire Codes related to illegal rooming houses, and more! TIME:     10:00 a.m. Registration / 10:30 a.m....

In addressing the rental housing challenges in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward, I've been working closely with many City Departments, including Planning, Property and Development.  One of the keys to this complex issue is City by-laws and their enforcement. The...

Based on the many calls and E-mails to my office, I recognize that challenges around rental housing extend outside of the Fort Richmond-University Heights neighbourhood in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward.  I’ve received multiple enquiries from residents in St....

We have made some very significant progress in our efforts to combat illegal rental housing around the University of Manitoba. Dealing with the many, multi-layered aspects of this complex issue could be easily be a full time job! We are extremely fortunate to have a...

I’m very pleased to report the new apartment-style development designed for students on Pembina Highway is proceeding. This project has passed the initial approval stage, and Council and I will be meeting with the developer in the coming months to finalize exterior...

On September 29-30, the University of Manitoba will be holding an open house to present the new campus plan.  Everyone is invited to attend this Visionary (re)Generation Master Plan open house: Date:  September 29 and 30, 2016 Time:  10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day...

In the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward, many residential properties have been turned into virtual parking lots (around the University of Manitoba and in nearby communities), with excessive numbers of vehicles being parked in these areas. This new Winnipeg Parking...

NEW ASSOCIATION:  Fort Richmond - University Heights Neighbourhood Association I’ve been working with many organizations and individuals this past year to address the safety and neighbourhood liveability concerns related to the prolific number of rental houses in the...

Shortly after being elected as City Councillor of the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward in 2014, I began working to peel back the layers of the rental housing challenges faced by residents and tenants in our community.  For some valuable insight into this complex issue,...

Many of the City’s by-laws regarding traffic, streets, parking meter and disability parking were created upwards of 40 years ago.  Much has changed over those four decades. The City of Winnipeg Public Service recently conducted a review and enacted updates to the by...

Every day, my office receives many phone calls and E-Mails from residents with concerns about by-law infractions.  The majority of concerns fall into two primary by-law groups: Zoning By-Laws:  Regulate the use and development of land Neighbourhood Liveability...

I was pleased to attend the recent open house on June 27, 2016 regarding this proposed residential project.  If you missed the information session, please refer to the article below for a good overview.  My thanks to the Winnipeg Free Press for covering this story....

On May 31st, 2016, I hosted another community update on the rental housing issue in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert ward.  Much progress on this issue has occurred over the winter months, as detailed in the article below. If you weren't able to attend, visit  Update -...

On May 31st, 2016, I hosted another community update on the rental housing issue (the third meeting since being elected). Much progress on this issue occurred over the winter months, and is summarized here.  I was also pleased to see that the many meetings and...

Mark your calendar for this important community update on rental property issues: TIME:  7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31 PLACE:  Pinnacle Club at Investors Group Field (315 Chancellor Matheson Road) Ample parking is available! Significant progress on this priority issue has...

I'm very pleased to announce this initiative with Dr. Linovski, which will shed some much needed light on the challenges faced by neighbourhoods, residents and tenants in communities surrounding suburban universities like the University of Manitoba.   The collection...

I would like to thank the Winnipeg Free Press for their assistance in helping to build awareness of this very complex issue related to neighbourhood livability and student safety in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward.   Homeowners near U of M Seek out Illegal...

My thanks to The Manitoban for covering this important issue which affects everyone in the entire community -  permanent residents, university students, tenants and landlords.   The Manitoban - The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper By Osho...

I would like to thank Metro News-Winnipeg for their assistance in helping to build awareness of this very complex issue related to neighbourhood livability and student safety in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward.   Metro News - Winnipeg By: Stephanie Taylor  - ...

I wish to thank CBC News and CBC Information Radio (Manitoba) for their assistance in helping to build awareness of this very complex problem related to neighbourhood livability and student safety in the South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Ward. Please take a moment to...

I am seeking volunteer residents in the Fort Richmond and University Heights communities  to assist in compiling an inventory of assumed rental houses on their street. Ideally, one or two residents would canvas their own street,  knocking on doors, asking a few...

UMSU international students’ representative claims increased rates for rent, meal plan too burdensome for international students   The University of Manitoba’s board of governors recently approved a proposal that will increase rent for student residences and hike...

On February 20, 2016,  about 30 members of the Fort Richmond and University Heights residents' sub-committees met with four City of Winnipeg By-Law representatives. It was an extremely informative meeting which provided residents with a better understanding of how...

An additional Zoning Field Officer is identified in the City of Winnipeg's 2016 Budget relating to zoning and conditional uses, ie: enforcement regarding work on a home that has occurred without a permit. Funding towards Winnipeg Block Parents and Neighbourhood Watch...

I would like to STRESS the importance of contacting 311 to report potential by-law infractions.  For simplicity, you can E-Mail  311@winnipeg.ca which often is easier than phoning in concerns.  For any resident who is requesting service - whether it's cars parking on...

A 14-storey apartment complex planned for a property adjacent to the University of Manitoba campus is expected to add more than 200 units to the student rental market. Developer Rise Real Estate is leading the project planned for 2525 Pembina Highway, at the corner of...

Working with Kerri Irvin Ross, MLA for Fort Richmond, and Manitoba Housing and Community Development (HDC) has provided very interesting information on rental properties in the Fort Richmond/University Heights area. HDC obtained data from Canadian Mortgage and Housing...

The University of Manitoba is a suburban university faced with a shortage of affordable student accommodations.  Throughout the world, many communities in close proximity to a large university are dealing with the same rental property challenges which residents in...

A proposed housing development along Pembina Highway may bring some relief to homeowners surrounding the University of Manitoba. Rise Real Estate, an Ontario-based developer, has plans to build a 14-storey student-oriented rental development at 2525 Pembina Hwy....

RECAP on filing a complaint and requesting service for rental housing/property issues PLEASE NOTE:  As the system is currently complaint-based, you must file a report with Winnipeg's 311 Service Centre. This is a very important step as the City of Winnipeg is tracking...

If the illegal rooming houses that have been sprouting up in neighbourhoods surrounding the University of Manitoba are to be weeded out, the effort has to come from the community itself. That was the message South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes delivered to a...

As South Winnipeg-St. Norbert councillor Janice Lukes prepares to form a residents’ association to combat illegal housing around the University of Manitoba, she is increasingly modelling her efforts around what other university communities have done. “This problem is...

A recent story in The Manitoban included an interview with David Barnard, President and Vice-Chancellor at the U of M.  It's an interesting read, and includes Barnard's perspectives on international students attending the University, as well as the need for more...

South Winnipeg-St. Norbert Coun. Janice Lukes is setting up a residents’ association to address a growing problem around the University of Manitoba – the proliferation of illegal rooming houses and other unsafe accommodation for students. The first step in the...

Would you believe that the University of Manitoba is getting really, really close to 30,000 students, and the University of Winnipeg to 10,000 students? The U of M so far has enrolled 29,691 students, which officials say is the highest number in the history of the...

Please mark your calendar to attend an open house to discuss a proposed student housing complex at the corner of Pembina Highway and Bison Drive. The event, hosted by Rise Real Estate, will be held at the Pinnacle Club (located at Investors Group Field) on Tuesday,...

Janice Lukes wants to create a renter’s guide that will put bylaws relating to rental properties into plain English – as well as Hindi and Chinese – so everyone from born and bred Canadians to international students can understand them better.   It’s a big...

Is the income from rental housing being declared by all property owners for taxation purposes? In areas of Winnipeg that are zoned 'single family dwellings', it is legal for property owners to have two boarders and collect boarding fees.  In speaking with the Canada...

Over the past week, there has been an influx of informative media coverage regarding the issue of rental housing. From liveability concerns on CTV to a proposed Student Housing Complex discussed on CJOB, there is a lot of information for review.  I greatly encourage...

The University of Manitoba has launched a new website to help students find rental properties and mitigate problems caused by illegal rooming houses in Fort Richmond. The Off-Campus Housing website went live on July 2, 2015 and features listings for rentals, students...

A number of homes in South Winnipeg are owned by absentee landlords who, unfortunately, are not performing regular maintenance on their properties. Through its Neighbourhood Liveability By-Law, the City of Winnipeg regulates the maintenance of homes/yards and other...

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 30, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, for our next GROUP community update.  We will meet again at the Pinnacle Club, located at Investors Group Field (315 Chancellor Matheson Road) to review the findings of the City of Winnipeg’s...

On Thursday, June 25, 2015, please join me at Pembina Trail Library to offer YOUR INPUT on an innovative concept that is being proposed for a home on Grierson Avenue, located south of the University of Manitoba.   In my ongoing efforts to work with the community...

As you are aware, I have committed to and am taking action on a very serious problem we have in and around the University of Manitoba. Details are posted on my website: https://janicelukes.ca/ward-priorities/rental-housing/ The City of Winnipeg Public Service is...

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 30, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, for our next GROUP community update.  We will meet again at the Pinnacle Club, located at Investors Group Field, to review the findings of the City of Winnipeg's report regarding best practices...

This is the latest update on my work related to rental housing in the community. While significant progress is being made, I clearly understand it is not fast enough for some.  However, it is important that we all understand the challenges which the community...

The following information is a compiled summary of the conversations, questions, answers and discussions that occurred at the January 31, 2015 Community Conversation on the topic of rental housing.  We've worked to capture all of the information discussed as well as...

Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Conversation on Rental Housing on January 31, 2015!  A summary of presentations made at the meeting by the City of Winnipeg and the University of  Manitoba, along with links to detailed information re residential...