Governments of Canada and Ontario celebrate new affordable housing in
Peterborough

LAKEFIELD, ON, Oct. 16 /CNW/ - Dean Del Mastro , Member of Parliament for Peterborough, 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 Jeff Leal , Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson , Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing today announced almost $5 million in funding for two affordable housing projects that will create 62 affordable housing units for seniors and persons with special needs.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

"The Government of Canada is helping Canadian seniors and persons with special needs during these tough economic times," said MP Del Mastro . "Here in Peterborough, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs."

"Our government is deeply committed to developing better ways to meet the housing needs of Ontario's vulnerable populations," said MPP Leal. "Through the construction of safe, new housing, we're helping vulnerable people establish and maintain the stability that many of us take for granted."

Today's announcement recognized two affordable housing projects in Lakefield and the City of Peterborough:

    
    -  The official opening of 50 units of Trailview Terrace, and the ground
       breaking of an additional four units. The project for seniors in
       Lakefield is sponsored by Peterborough Housing Corporation. The
       project received $3.5 million under the original Canada-Ontario
       Affordable Housing Program and $480,000 under the extended Affordable
       Housing Program.

    -  The start of construction of Cameron House, an 8-unit project in
       Peterborough sponsored by Brock Street Mission. This project received
       almost $1 million under the extended Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing
       Program.
    

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by $780,000 in municipal financial incentives.

"I commend Peterborough Housing Corporation for its continued role in housing seniors and Brock Street Mission for providing a great example of transitional housing," said Peterborough Mayor Paul Ayotte . "The City is proud to be a contributing partner with both of these organizations, along with the Federal and Provincial governments."

"The Township was fully supportive of donating land to support the development of affordable housing for seniors and be a key partner in this great initiative," said Township of Smith-Ennismore-Lakefield Reeve, Ron Millen . This project allows lifelong residents to remain in their community and retain close proximity to family and friends.

The Government of Canada is helping Canadians on fixed incomes to live with independence and dignity. 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.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding, which increases the number of "quick start" projects to 39 totaling over $76.5 million and which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities. 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 further information: Michelle Bakos, Office of Minister Finley, [phone]; Adam Grachnik, Minister Jim Watson's Office, [phone]; Stephen Derksen, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Susan Bacque, City of Peterborough, Housing, [phone] ext. 1492; For more information visit: www.cmhc.ca, www.ontario.ca/housing