Your neighbors are losing their homes because of this.
Morning from the Valley — here's what's growing in Winkler-Morden.
We're talking about something pretty serious today, and it hits right at the heart of our community's growth. There's a real tension brewing in a 55-plus social housing complex on Selkirk Avenue in Winkler. Long-time residents, folks who've lived there for years, are saying they don't feel safe anymore. This isn't just a small complaint; it's about the increasing number of residents who were formerly experiencing homelessness moving into the building, leading to significant safety and living condition concerns for the senior tenants.
### What This Means for Winkler-Morden
This situation really forces us to look at the other side of our growth. We pride ourselves on being a welcoming place, a community that integrates newcomers and offers opportunities. We see it in our expanding factories like Triple E and Decor Cabinets, and in how successfully we've brought in new families. But sometimes, that growth brings challenges we need to address head-on.
* This isn't just about seniors feeling unsafe; it's about how we manage social housing for *all* residents. * The fact that it's on Selkirk Avenue, right in a well-established part of Winkler, makes it something we all need to pay attention to. It's not happening somewhere remote; it's in our backyard. * This points to a broader need for integrated support services, not just a place to live. It's why initiatives like The Bridge on Third, proposed to offer 24/7 mental health services, are so critical. We're a national model for rural growth and newcomer integration, but we also need to lead in how we care for our most vulnerable.
This isn't about blaming anyone. It's about recognizing that as Morden grows 14.5% in five years, and Winkler expands, we have to ensure our social infrastructure keeps pace. We can't let any part of our community feel left behind or unsafe. It's a real test of our Pembina Valley values.
Corinne Dueck, MiTL Sports Desk.
You know Keith and the crew are talking about this on the show — listen live at mornings.live.