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”.

The Government of Canada announced today that three co-operatives located in Brantford and Hamilton will receive more than $270,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at Applegate Co-operative Housing in Brantford by Phil McColeman, Member of Parliament for Brant, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“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 McColeman. “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 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 by CMHC 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.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are:
Applegate Co-operative Housing (Brantford) $74,886
Wicklow Co-operative Homes (Brantford) $97,069
Appleridge Co-operative Homes Inc. (Hamilton) $99,144

“We applaud and thank the federal government, MP McColeman and CMHC for making a solid investment to help renovate and retrofit these affordable homes,” said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement for those three non-profit housing co-operatives is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards preserving jobs, assisting the local economy and protecting valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”

“We are very pleased to be receiving the Renovation and Retrofit grant through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve our cooperative,” said Maureen Zotzman, President, Applegate Co-operative Homes Incorporated. “These significant renovations will have a tremendous positive impact for our members and their quality of life.”

The announcement was made at Couchiching Co-operative Homes Inc. by Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“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 Stanton. “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 jobs.”

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 by CMHC 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.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are:
Couchiching Cooperative Homes Inc. $68,265
Coral Co-operative Housing Corp. $90,510

“We applaud and thank the federal government, Mr. Stanton and CMHC for making a solid investment to help renovate and retrofit these affordable homes,” said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement for both non-profit housing co-operatives 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 members of Couchiching Co-operative Homes greatly appreciate CMHC’s approval of our grant application to have new insulation added to the attics of our townhouse units and the apartment building. According to the members of the co-op, this has already shown significant savings on utility bills,” said Mary Dempsey, President of the Board of Directors of Couchiching Co-operative Homes. “We are also in the process of receiving new storm doors and patio doors to replace the deteriorating, 24-year-old doors, thanks to the Canadian Government and CMHC Renovation and Retrofit grants.”

“We are delighted that our co-operative will benefit from the federal government’s renovation and retrofit initiative delivered by CMHC” said Brian Smith, President of The Coral Co-op in Orillia. “This funding has literally provided the roof over our heads and without the grant this work could not have been completed.”

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

“The gain in February housing starts was concentrated in the multiple starts segment, particularly in Toronto,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 9.0 per cent to 179,100 units in February. Urban multiple starts increased by 19.1 per cent to 89,900 units while single urban starts increased by 0.5 per cent to 89,200 units.

February’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 28.6 per cent in Ontario, by 14.3 per cent in Atlantic Canada, by 10.8 per cent in the Prairie region and by 8.0 per cent in British Columbia. In Quebec, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 14.1 per cent.

Funding of $2.1 million for 28 new affordable housing rental units for seniors, persons with disabilities, and other low income households was announced today in Port Elgin.

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron – Bruce, 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), and Carol Mitchell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron – Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Bill Goetz, Warden of the County of Bruce, and Mike Smith, Mayor of the Town of Saugeen Shores made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors, persons with disabilities and other low income households who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Lobb. “This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Mitchell. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”

“Bruce County is very pleased to be able to build affordable housing homes,” said Warden Bill Goetz. “The 28 unit apartment building will help to address the housing needs for residents in Saugeen Shores.”

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 and persons with disabilities. 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.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 28 new affordable rental units at 725 Wellington Street. The project is sponsored by Bruce County Housing Corporation.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of St.Thomas celebrated the start of construction of 12 affordable rental units in two housing developments. The developments are supported by over $924,000 in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, 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), and Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London on behalf of the Government of Ontario; along with Cliff Barwick, Mayor of St.Thomas, made the announcement.

“This is great news for families in St.Thomas,” said MP Preston. “These new apartments will provide suitable, affordable housing for deserving families, and create jobs in our community.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the provincial government’s efforts to reduce poverty,” said MPP Peters. “The Government of Ontario will continue to work with its federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built during the life of this program.”

Today’s announcement recognized two affordable housing projects funded through the two-year extension of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program:

• Funding of $480,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 89 ½ Fairview Avenue.
• Funding of $444,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 5 Park Avenue.

“The City of St. Thomas is very grateful to the federal and provincial governments for providing financial assistance under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program,” said Mayor Cliff Barwick. “This new apartment building will provide much-needed affordable housing for twelve families in the community.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

Funding of $1.8 million for 15 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on a low income was announced today in Orangeville.

David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin – Caledon, 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), and Linda Jeffrey, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton – Springdale on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Gordon D. Montgomery, Warden of Dufferin County made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Tilson. “This investment is possible through our government’s Economic Action Plan that is stimulating the economy and creating jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

“These affordable housing projects support our Province’s efforts to reduce poverty,” said MPP Jeffrey. “We will continue to work closely with our federal and municipal partners to maximize the number of affordable housing units which are built during the life of this program.”

“We are delighted to receive this generous funding to further support the Lawrence Avenue Seniors Building project,” said Warden Gordon D. Montgomery. “This funding will assist with providing additional seniors’ housing units and reducing wait list times.”

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.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 15 new affordable rental units for seniors at 40 Lawrence Avenue in Orangeville. The project is sponsored by the Corporation of the County of Dufferin.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge today celebrated the start of construction of Heartwood Place on Ainslie. This development is supported by over $4.6 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science & Technology), (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable John Milloy, Minister of Research and Innovation, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Waterloo Regional Chair, Ken Seiling; Mayor of Cambridge, Doug Craig, and Chair of the Heartwood Place Board, Mary Bales, attended the event.

“This is great news for individuals and families in Cambridge,” said Minister of State Gary Goodyear. “These new apartments will provide more rental options for those in need of suitable, affordable housing, and are important to the economic and social well-being of the community.”

“Heartwood Place on Ainslie is an example of our government commitment to improve the lives of Ontarians and build healthier communities,” said MPP Milloy. “I would like to congratulate the developer, our partners in other levels of government and community groups for making this project a reality.”

When completed, Heartwood Place on Ainslie will have 66 affordable units for low-income families and singles. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $536,000 in municipal financial incentives by the City of Cambridge and more than $342,000 by the Region of Waterloo. To date, over $1.4 million in community donations has been raised in support of this project.

“The people behind Heartwood Place on Ainslie have been long time partners in the development of affordable housing in our community,” said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. “Through their ongoing generous contributions of time and money, our residents will now have more options for safe and affordable housing in Cambridge.”

“We are tremendously excited to see the continuous transformation of our downtown cores. This redevelopment of the former Cambridge Reporter site in Galt on the Grand incorporates a courtyard for the residents and the building is designed to complement heritage features of the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig.

“Celebrating the commencement of this project is a significant moment for our organization,” said Mary Bales, Chair of the Heartwood Place Board. “It took six years to address the issues of contamination on the site and reach the point of construction. Thanks to everyone, including all levels of government, donors, committed volunteers and staff for helping us achieve our goal. Special thanks to Todd Smith of Torstar, Thomas Franz of Franz Environmental and to Al Way of Jamesway Construction for their commitment to this project.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

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. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Ed Komarnicki, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and to the Minister of Labour; John Gerretsen, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and The Islands and Minister of the Environment, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Harvey Rosen, Mayor of the City of Kingston, attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Kingston and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Parliamentary Secretary Ed Komarnicki. “These new apartments provide more rental options for individuals and families in need of suitable, affordable housing. This is critical to the economic and social well-being of our Kingston community.”

“Our government is committed to developing better ways to meet the housing needs of Ontario’s vulnerable,” said Minister Gerretsen. “The benefits of projects like these ripple beyond the people who live here — our entire community reaps the rewards of new, safe and sustainable housing.”

Today’s announcement recognized three affordable housing projects in Kingston funded under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program:

* The official opening of a 93-unit building sponsored by R. Paul Martin Construction. The project received more than $2 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The building will be occupied by individuals and families living on low and moderate income.
* The official opening of 24 units sponsored by Kingston Home Base Non — Profit Housing Inc. The project received $1.7 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program and will be occupied by individuals with special needs and living on low income.
* The start of construction of 47 units sponsored by Frontenac Community Mental Health Services. The project received more than $3.8 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The building will be occupied by low income individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the projects were complemented by about $660,000 in municipal grants and 67 units will receive ongoing financial assistance through the municipally funded rent supplement program.

“The City of Kingston is pleased to continue to work with our Federal/Provincial partners in the creation of new, safe, secure and affordable housing units,” said Mayor Harvey Rosen. “On behalf of the City of Kingston, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff and Board members of Home Base Housing, Frontenac Community Mental Health Services and Mr. Paul Martin, on the occasion of the official opening of their affordable housing communities. Through their efforts, 164 residents have been able to find a new and permanent place to call home.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, 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. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Peterborough today celebrated the opening of 48 new affordable rental units. This project is supported by $3.36 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Paul Ayotte, Mayor of Peterborough; and project sponsor Amit Sofer, President of the TVM Group attended the event.

“When it comes to building safe and strong communities, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government to get real results,” said MP Del Mastro. “This project demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together.”

“Through the construction of safe affordable housing, we are helping vulnerable people establish and maintain the stability that many of us take for granted,” said MPP Leal. “I am very proud that the provincial and federal governments have joined together to create this complex. These units are going to make a significant difference in the lives of many families in our area.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of 443 Reid Street, a school that was converted into a 48-unit complex sponsored by TVM Schoolhouse Inc. The $5.6 million project will be occupied by low income individuals and families and individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by over $653,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to see this historic building continue to provide a benefit to the community by providing people with disabilities an accessible place to live,” said Mayor Ayotte. “We are grateful to The TVM Group and Kawartha Participation Projects for their dedicated commitment to serve our community.”

“The TVM Group is very proud to present these 48 units. 443 Reid Street is a special, purpose-built conversion of a historic school property which became surplus into a heritage designated fully accessible affordable residential complex,” said Mr. Sofer President of The TVM Group. “This adaptive reuse has preserved an important community asset, and ensured its long-term contribution to our community.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

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. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.