Change is coming to our neighbourhood, and with it much-needed housing for our neighbours.

Very soon, the long-empty Rubin Block will finally be restored. Together with the federal government and the leadership of Fisher River Cree Nation, our government has helped purchase the building so it can be transformed into homes for more Manitobans.

Now owned by Fisher River Cree First Nation, the corner of Osborne Street and Morley Avenue will have new life as soon as next spring.

In this project, we’ve seen just how much is possible when all levels of government share a seat at the table, working for you, the people of Manitoba.

This project has been years in the making, with members of our community organizing, working together and reaching out to your local leaders. I want to specifically thank my predecessor, MLA James Allum, and community activist Jean Altemeyer, whose work was crucial in making this happen.

As MLA for Fort Rouge, I have heard from many people in South Osborne about the Rubin Block, and when we came into government, we had the opportunity to take action. I’m proud our government was able to provide $2 million in funding that ensured it could be purchased.

This beautiful building has told the story of where our city was 110 years ago. Now, over a century on, the project to restore it, led by a First Nation with the support of the neighbourhood, is a positive signal of where we’re headed.

So the next time you walk by, I encourage you to pause and take stock of how far we’ve come, together. I hope you are reminded of just how much we can accomplish – in south Osborne and right across the province – when we work together.