Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Ottawa

OTTAWA , Dec. 15 /CNW/ - Funding of more than $6 million for 42 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities was announced today in Ottawa .

Royal Galipeau , Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Orléans, 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 Jim Watson , Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West-Nepean; along with Larry O'Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa , made the announcement.

"Our government's Economic Action Plan is delivering affordable housing in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most," said MP Galipeau. "Here in Ottawa , our government's investment will create jobs and help people in our community access suitable affordable housing that meets their needs."

"By investing in affordable housing and working together with all levels of government and the community, we are helping the most vulnerable in our community," said Minister Watson. "Cornerstone plays a very important role in our city and the Ontario government is pleased to assist them."

"Affordable housing is necessary in order to build a city that is healthy, sustainable and inclusive," said Mayor O'Brien. "By assisting local agencies like Cornerstone, this new affordable and supportive housing project for women is helping the most vulnerable in our community."

Additionally, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) invested a total of $2.1 million in the project. This funding was used to purchase the land, begin demolition on the existing property and pay for other project start-up costs, such as site studies and architectural fees.

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, Canada's 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.

The provision of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element for addressing homelessness and helping individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy therefore places an emphasis on longer-term transitional and supportive housing through a housing-first approach to help people overcome homelessness.

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 42 new affordable rental units at 314 Booth Street. The project is sponsored by Cornerstone-Le Pilier.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The province has already approved more than $224 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

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.

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    For more information visit:  http://www.cmhc.ca
                                 www.mah.gov.on.ca.
    

For further information: Media Inquiries: Michelle Bakos, Office of Minister Finley, [phone]; Nicole Burgers, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Adam Grachnik, Office of Minister Watson, [phone]; Media Relations, City of Ottawa, [phone]