Moishe Alexander, Canadian Funding Corp – The Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with Jim Kenyon, Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation officially opened a new housing project for seniors in Haines Junction today.
The Government of Canada and Yukon Government contributed almost $2.3 million to the project through the Canada – Yukon Affordable Housing Initiative for six affordable housing units.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Yukon and across Canada for those who need it most,” said the Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Through this investment, the Government of Canada is helping to provide safe and supportive housing for seniors and helping them to turn a new page in their lives.”
“The Government of Canada has helped create new housing opportunities for Yukon seniors,” said Jim Kenyon, Minister Responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation. “The Haines Junction project highlights the benefits of cooperation between governments.”
Yukon Housing Corporation worked directly with seniors in Haines Junction on the building concepts and potential locations within the community. The housing complex contains a total of nine 1-bedroom units designed specifically for seniors, in addition to common space.
In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Canadian Funding Corp presents Haines Junction video
People struggling with homelessness will have access to 11 transitional housing units and 13 affordable apartments once construction is complete on the new $8.7-million Garfield Hotel in New Westminster.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it the most,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).” These new units in New Westminster will provide people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with access to suitable, affordable housing that meets their specific needs.”
The Province is providing a subsidized mortgage of $7 million for the development. The funding will help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater self-reliance, and achieve appropriate employment.
Construction began in July 2009 as part of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and Lookout Emergency Aid Society. The Government of Canada provided a $1.65-million grant through the Affordable Housing Agreement.
“Our government is working with Lookout Emergency Aid Society to provide housing and support services so men and women can break away from substance abuse and homelessness,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “Garfield Hotel will help people recover and become independent by providing a supportive and stable environment.”
Lookout Emergency Aid Society will manage and operate the Garfield Hotel. Residents will receive life skill training programs on cooking and nutrition, budgeting, and basic hygiene, gaining the necessary skills to move towards living independently.
“We are very grateful for the federal and provincial funding that has been committed to this project so that we can provide the housing, support and services that are necessary to end homelessness,” said Karen O’Shannacery, executive director of Lookout Emergency Aid Society. “The Garfield Hotel will be a pathway to greater independence and a better life for many.”
Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. ‘Canada’s Economic Action Plan’ builds on this, with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness is a key agenda for the Province of British Columbia. In 2009 – 10, the Province’s budget for affordable housing and shelters is $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.
MARYSTOWN, NL, September 14, 2009 — Seniors in the Burin Peninsula now have access to a new affordable housing complex built by the Marystown Kinsmen, as a result of $600,000 in federal and provincial funding under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program, which is equally cost-shared.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Member of the House of Assembly for Burin – Placentia West, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing, presided over the opening ceremony today.
“We are dedicated to helping vulnerable Canadians access suitable, affordable housing,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Our Government will continue to invest in improvements to existing social housing both in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada, as a means to stimulate our economy during the global recession.”
“The construction of this housing complex provides seniors in the Burin area the opportunity to receive housing assistance that meets their current needs, and still remain close to family and friends,” said Minister Jackman. “The Provincial Government recently released a new long-term vision for social housing, entitled A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador — Secure Foundations. The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for Seniors is an excellent example of strengthened partnerships in action, and how such partnerships can help attain our goal of providing more viable and affordable housing options for lower-income households throughout the province.”
The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for Seniors consists of two, one-bedroom units and four, two-bedroom units, one of which is fully accessible. In addition to the funding provided under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program, CMHC also provided $20,000 in seed funding to Marystown Kinsmen during the initial planning stages.
“We are extremely proud of this project,” said Russ Murphy, Secretary of the Board for the Manor. “It’s a very rewarding feeling to be part of a project that you know will help to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
In Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government committed $23.6 million for housing investments throughout the province for items such as social housing renovations, energy retrofits, and social housing units for low-income seniors. Additionally, the Federal and Provincial Governments recently announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new and renovate existing affordable housing over the next two years. Overall, the provincial contribution is $50 million, and the federal government is contributing a further $43 million.
Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.