Housing Strategies for Growth in Neepawa, Manitoba: A Planning Perspective on Preparing for New Immigrants

Abstract

This thesis examines the housing demand pressures in light of growth due to immigration in the rural community of Neepawa, Manitoba. The town of Neepawa has been experiencing a significant increase in population, resulting from the recruitment of temporary foreign workers, arriving to work in a local pork processing facility. Access to housing has been identified as an important step for the integration of newcomers into their new communities. Many newcomers are remaining in the town after they apply for their permanent residency, often sponsoring family members to join them. Newcomers’ housing needs change with their situations. This research looks at this phenomenon from a community planning perspective. The research uses data from 10 semi-structured interviews with key informants, representative of real estate, government, immigrant settlement services, elected officials and industry sectors. The evidence suggests that the housing market within Neepawa has experienced significant change in recent years in light of changing demands in the market. The community has a need for housing that caters not only to newcomers but to an aging population as well. This study points to the need for more research that examines the housing experiences and trajectories of newcomers in rural communities.