Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Quinte
West

QUINTE WEST, ON, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Funding of $2.4 million for 20 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on low income was announced today in Quinte West ( Trenton Ward ).

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, 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 Lou Rinaldi , Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Jim Watson , Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Ron Emond , Warden, County of Hastings and John Williams , Mayor, Quinte West, 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 Norlock. "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 Rinaldi. "We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program."

"The support of both the federal and provincial governments is crucial to our collective attempts to find housing that is affordable for those in search of an adequate, affordable home," said Warden Emond. "With over 1300 households still on our affordable housing wait list the challenge is great but with today's announcement we are making a real difference here in the City of Quinte West.

"Quinte West looks forward to the 20 new affordable rental units," said Mayor Williams . "This will allow seniors living on fixed incomes, to live here in the City, closer to family and friends."

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 celebrated the funding for 20 new affordable rental units at Riverview Residence, 135/137 Ontario Street in Trenton . The project is sponsored by the County of Hastings.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The province has already approved more than $172 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]; Adam Grachnik, Office of Minister Watson, [phone]; Beth Bailey, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Scott Robertson, Manager, Housing Programs Branch, Hastings County, [phone] ext. 4302