An important report appeared in the Winnipeg Sun on Saturday that revealed the dire threat to the future of the local construction industry, because financial institutions are squeexing many builders out of the game.
9.28 Part 2– In Episode 24 you’ll hear added analysis about why new restrictive credit rules are a genuine threat to trades and related jobs, the Manitoba economy, and especially to bringing new houses to the market. As Sun publisher Kevin Klein wrote, “While the federal government has focused on ambitious housing targets, experts say these numbers are meaningless without builders who can access financing.”
While you might reflexively blame the banks, post-merger Credit Unions are the worst offenders for abandoning all but the largest companies seeking financing and cash flow for development projects. It seems they don’t want to invest in the community any more.
The result might make Winnipeg’s proposed new zoning rules for more in-fill housing obsolete before the ink is dry on the new bylaw.
It’s one thing to have abandoned or derelict houses- but empty lots or half-built homes on city streets won’t be an improvement, because no one will be left with the capacity to pick up those unfinished projects.
******
Coming up– another Parking Authority surprise; an interview with city Finance chair Coun. Jeff Browaty; and, will Jew-haters again run amok at the Pride festivities this year?
*******
With $1060 already in, the funding campaign for Season S ix is off to a good start. We provide the only public affairs podcast in Winnipeg and deliver the kind of information, interviews and analysis you need to stay in the know.
This is listener and reader-driven content and there is no money from any government paying the bills for the legwork and expenses of local investigative reporting. That’s where you come in.
Email martygoldlive@gmail.com for more information about how you can donate and keep us going strong, all summer long!