Current Research

Churchill Sustainability Plan
Launched in August 2008, this initiative is a collaboration between the Town of Churchill and the University of Winnipeg, with funding provided by Omnitrax Inc. It is overseen by a steering committee of Churchill residents and University of Winnipeg faculty and staff. It is being managed by the staff of the Institute of Urban Studies at the University of Winnipeg. The Sustainability Plan under development will identify ways to enhance the quality of life in the town by improving the ecological, economic and social conditions of Churchill.

For more information, see the project’s Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sustainable-Churchill/126527491814

East Interlake Housing Study
On behalf of Community Futures East Interlake (http://www.eastinterlake.com) the Institute undertook a study and consultation concerning housing conditions in the Interlake Region.

Portage la Prairie Social Plan
The Institute of Urban Studies (IUS), in partnership with the Portage Community Network (PCN), is undertaking a public engagement process to produce a social planning framework for the city of Portage la Prairie. Social planning involves the collection and analysis of social information about a community, including not only general population characteristics but also the issues facing specific population groups. A Phase One Report was submitted in early 2009.

Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS)
IUS staff are engaged in a community based effort to inform and educate Manitobans on transportation options that enhance quality of life and promote age friendly communities.

For more information, please visit the initiative’s website. http://www.tonsmb.org/tons_c_policy_research.htm

Uptake of Canada Education Savings Program Among Aboriginal Households
Funding for education in Canada is supported through the Canada Education Savings Program (CESP) which provides Canadians opportunities to offset the cost of future education through various programs. These federally-based programs are geared toward all incomes levels as well as providing tax free options. In light of the availability of many programs and options for funding education, the Strategic Partnerships team of the CESP identified that there remains a low level of uptake among Aboriginal households. To provide insight into this situation, IUS examined both the barriers to and potential solutions for increase awareness and uptake of CESPs among Aboriginal persons.