Tackling the Challenges of Inner City Marginalization: A Partnership Approach‪.‬

Winnipeg's inner city has the dubious reputation of being one of the worst areas of poverty, poor quality housing, and marginalized populations in Canada. Through an extensive research, education, training, and development program, the Winnipeg Inner City Research Alliance (WIRA) focused on addressing inner city issues and building community capacity. WIRA began in 1999 when a diverse group of academic, government and community partners came together to combine their strengths and resources in promoting the development of resilient inner-city neighbourhoods. This group applied for and received funding through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council's CURA program and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. WIRA tapped into the expertise of all its members, recognizing the strengths of taking a partnership approach. The initiative was based on collaborative and inclusive decision-making and direction setting in response to community-identified needs and priorities. WIRA was committed to fostering innovative research, training, information distribution and related activities that work toward the social, cultural and economic development of Winnipeg's inner city communities.