Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in
Tavistock

TAVISTOCK, ON, Dec. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - Funding of $742,000 for 14 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on a low income was announcement today in Tavistock.

Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, 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 Khalil Ramal, Member of Provincial Parliament for London-Fanshawe on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson , Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Paul Holbrough, Warden of Oxford County and Don McKay, Mayor of East Zorra-Tavistock, 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 MacKenzie. "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 Ramal. "We will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built during the life of this program."

"Oxford County is very proud of the new affordable housing project in Tavistock," said Warden Holbrough. "This project is an example of private enterprise partnering with public money to fulfill the needs of Tavistock. The identified need to provide affordable housing for seniors will allow seniors to live in an environment close to services they need."

"The conversion of this Historic building, to Affordable Housing for seniors, is a most welcomed addition to the Tavistock Community," said Mayor McKay .

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 the funding for 14 new affordable rental units for seniors at 40 Woodstock Street.

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]; Adam Grachnik, Office of Minister Watson, [phone]; Shawn Griffiths, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone]; Sandra Ring, County of Oxford, [phone] ex. 3316