Governments of Canada and Manitoba celebrate new affordable housing in
Grunthal

GRUNTHAL, MB, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley , Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada , and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, along with the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing, broke ground today on a new complex for seniors housing in Grunthal.

Funding in the amount of $2.7 million has been made available for the initiative through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this investment through the amended Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

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 more than $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

"The Government of Canada is helping Canadian seniors during these tough economic times," said Minister Toews. "Here in Grunthal, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs."

"It's important for seniors to have the option to age in their community, and through programs like Supportive housing, they are able to remain closer to home even longer," said Minister Mackintosh. "This is an important project for the community and it's great to work with such committed partners who will make sure it's a success."

The project, led by Menno Home for the Aged, will have 42 housing units, including 12 supportive housing units and 30 one-bedroom assisted living units for low-to-moderate income seniors. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.5 million .

"This is one of the biggest projects undertaken in Grunthal," said Albert Driedger, Board Chair for Menno Home. "There has been tremendous support from the community, individuals and churches, which is a big help to our seniors."

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 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.

For further information: Michelle Bakos, Office of Minister Finley, [phone], [email protected]; Glen Cassie, Communication Services MB, [phone], [email protected]; Kimberlee Jones, Communications Consultant, Prairie and Territories Business Centre, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone], [email protected]