Moishe Alexander blogs – Funding of $7.71 million for two housing projects providing a total of 65 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on a low income was announced today in Kitchener according to Moishe Alexander.
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science & Technology), (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Leeanna Pendergast, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener – Conestoga, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Ken Seiling, Waterloo Regional Chair, Doug Craig, Mayor of Cambridge, and Brenda Halloran, Mayor of Waterloo, made the announcement.
Moishe Alexander likes the following quote from Goodyear: “Our government is investing in affordable housing, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those families who need it most,” said Minister of State Gary Goodyear. “These initiatives will help people in our community access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs.”
“These two new housing initiatives support our Poverty Reduction Strategy and are part of our Open Ontario plan to create jobs and opportunities,” said MPP Pendergast. “We will continue to work closely with our municipal and federal partners to maximize the number of affordable housing units which are built during the life of this program.”
Today’s announcement celebrates funding for two local affordable housing projects:
* 565 Margaret Street, a 61-unit project located in Cambridge received over $7.2 million. The project is sponsored by Home Concept Property Management, providing affordable housing for seniors living on low income in Cambridge.
* Newo Seniors, located at 364 Erb Street West and sponsored by Newo Holdings Ltd. received $480,000 for four additional affordable rental units. The units will provide housing for seniors living on low income in Waterloo.
“The Waterloo and Cambridge projects provide a greater choice of safe, affordable rental housing for our senior citizens,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “There is still a great need for affordable housing in Waterloo Region, so the addition of 65 new units is especially welcome.”
“There’s no question that affordable housing is an issue facing each of the municipalities in our region,” said Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran. “Today’s announcement will help ease that pressure, and will have a direct impact on individuals and families in our communities.”
“It’s partnerships like this that make a difference and can directly address the need for added affordable housing opportunities for low-income seniors,” said Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig. “Enhancing support for seniors is a priority for Cambridge and the multi-government investment of over $7 million will provide for an additional 61 units to help address the gaps in existing affordable housing.”
According to Moishe Alexander, CEO or Canadian Funding Corp., the Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
Cambridge, Ontario to benefit – (video) – Moishe Alexander posts
Moishe Alexander notes that the Government of Canada’s plans for the Town of Blind River have been approved for an infrastructure loan.
Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Blind River has been approved for a low-cost loan of $49.5 million from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to construct a solar energy generating facility. The project includes the installation of approximately 45,000 solar panels on 285 towers over an area of 120 acres and will provide the residents of Blind River with a low-cost renewable energy supply.
“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said MP Rickford. “This program is opening the door for municipalities to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs, provide economic stimulus for communities in all corners of the country, and support Canadian workers and families.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.
“The Town of Blind River is very excited about the development of the Blind River Solar Generating Facility. With the tremendous assistance of the CMHC, our community takes a giant step forward into a stronger, greener future,” said Mayor Robert Gallagher.
Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.
As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.
MP Stephen Woodworth today announced that a housing co-operative located in Kitchener will receive almost $206,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the Government of Canada’s social housing renovation and retrofit investments.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said MP Woodworth. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create local jobs.”
The announcement was made at the Bread & Roses Co-operative Homes by Stephen Woodworth, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.
Bread and Roses Cooperative Homes will receive a contribution of almost $206,000 from the Government of Canada to complete various interior and exterior upgrades including heating, ventilation and door replacement.
“We congratulate and thank the federal government, MP Stephen Woodworth and CMHC for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents, “ said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards preserving jobs, assisting the local economy, and protecting valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”
“The CEAP Renovation and Retrofit funding has had a great impact on Bread and Roses Co-operative Homes” said Sahver Kuzucuoglu, Vice-President, Board of Directors, Bread and Roses Co-operative Homes. “We were very pleased to access this funding through CMHC to carry out necessary repairs which will ensure our cooperative’s longevity”.
