Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in
Northumberland County

PORT HOPE, ON, Nov. 30 /CNW/ - Funding of $2.16 million for 18 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities living on low income was announced today in Port Hope.

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's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Linda Thompson , Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope and Warden of Northumberland County made the announcement.

"The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors and persons with disabilities 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. "The first wave of funding will lead to construction by this fall and we will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program."

"Northumberland County has a 4 to 5 year waiting list for affordable housing, this project will significantly increase accommodation opportunities, especially for those with disabilities who face even greater challenges in securing safe, appropriate housing," said Linda Thompson , Northumberland County Warden. "The Dr. Powers project builds on a healthy community model and allows adaptive reuse of a building that is no longer used but will now address a vital need in our community."

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 funding for 18 units at 64 Ward Street . The project is sponsored by TVM Group - Port Hope Inc.

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]; Beth Bailey, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Adam Grachnik, Office of Minister Watson, [phone]; Linda Thompson, Municipality of Port Hope, [phone]