Federal and Provincial Governments Invest in Six New Affordable Housing
Developments

CONCEPTION BAY, NL, Feb. 19 /CNW/ - The Honourable Fabian Manning, Senator for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced more than $1.54 million in funding toward the construction of six new affordable housing projects for seniors, persons with disabilities, families, and individuals throughout the province

Funding for these projects has been made available through Canada's Economic Action Plan and the 2009 extension of the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). The Federal and Provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $69 million under the amended Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is helping individuals, families, seniors and persons with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador during these tough economic times," said Senator Manning. "By funding projects like these ones, the government is providing safe, affordable housing to many residents in our community while creating jobs and stimulating our economy."

"Research shows that now more than ever, we have an increased aging population across the country. This scenario is likely to continue over the next three decades, and as a government we must continue to forge partnerships that will provide more housing opportunities for this group," said Minister Hedderson. "These new developments will make 44 new homes available for seniors and persons with disabilities. This is another example of what our combined support for social housing can achieve, and it is a public record of the Williams Government's commitment to providing our seniors with quality, affordable housing."

Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $475 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.

One of the key AHI program objectives for the Province is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing in the private, public and non-for profit sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and those who require supports to live independently in the community.

This work is also in keeping with the goals of the Provincial Government's Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations. The plan outlines a new long-term vision for social housing aimed at increasing rental options for lower-income households and the supply of accessible housing, all helping to create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.

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.

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.

Newfoundland Labrador Housing issued a proposal call for the above noted projects in Spring 2009.

Backgrounder attached.

    
                                 BACKGROUNDER

                       New Affordable Housing Projects

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    Welcome Homes     Portugal Cove- St.    $140,000      4 units*
                      Phillips                            (individuals,
                                                          seniors and
                                                          families)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Golden Road       Kelligrews            $210,000      6 units (seniors)
    Housing Inc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    W.W. Builders     Marystown             $210,000      6 units (seniors)
    and Dev. Inc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Hodder Holdings   Lewisporte            $350,000      10 units (seniors)
    Inc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    White Bay Stores  Baie Verte            $350,000      10 units (seniors)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Ship Cove Homes   Botwood               $280,000      8 units (seniors)
     Inc.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    *Each project has a minimum of one fully accessible unit.
    

For further information: Media Contacts: Roger Scaplen, Director of Communications, Department of Transportation and Works, [phone], [phone], [email protected]; Jenny Bowring, Communications Manager, Newfoundland Labrador Housing, [phone], [email protected]; Katherine LeBlanc, Consultant, Communications and Marketing, [phone], [email protected]; Michelle Bakos, Press Secretary, Office of Minister Finley, [phone]