More Housing Options for Burin Seniors

MARYSTOWN, NL, Sept. 14 /CNW/ - Seniors in the Burin Peninsula now have access to a new affordable housing complex built by the Marystown Kinsmen, as a result of $600,000 in federal and provincial funding under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program, which is equally cost-shared.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman , Member of the House of Assembly for Burin-Placentia West, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor , Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing, presided over the opening ceremony today.

"We are dedicated to helping vulnerable Canadians access suitable, affordable housing," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, 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). "Our Government will continue to invest in improvements to existing social housing both in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada , as a means to stimulate our economy during the global recession."

"The construction of this housing complex provides seniors in the Burin area the opportunity to receive housing assistance that meets their current needs, and still remain close to family and friends," said Minister Jackman. "The Provincial Government recently released a new long-term vision for social housing, entitled A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations. The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for Seniors is an excellent example of strengthened partnerships in action, and how such partnerships can help attain our goal of providing more viable and affordable housing options for lower-income households throughout the province."

The Marystown Kinsmen Manor for Seniors consists of two, one-bedroom units and four, two-bedroom units, one of which is fully accessible. In addition to the funding provided under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program, CMHC also provided $20,000 in seed funding to Marystown Kinsmen during the initial planning stages.

"We are extremely proud of this project," said Russ Murphy , Secretary of the Board for the Manor. "It's a very rewarding feeling to be part of a project that you know will help to make a positive difference in people's lives.

In Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government committed $23.6 million for housing investments throughout the province for items such as social housing renovations, energy retrofits, and social housing units for low-income seniors. Additionally, the Federal and Provincial Governments recently announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new and renovate existing affordable housing over the next two years. Overall, the provincial contribution is $50 million , and the federal government is contributing a further $43 million .

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

CMHC has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.

For further information: Media contacts: Michelle Bakos, Press Secretary, Office of Minister Finley, [phone], [email protected]; Jenny Bowring, Communications Manager, Newfoundland Labrador Housing, [phone], [email protected]; Jennifer Tulk, Communications Specialist, Department of Transportation and Works, [phone], [phone], [email protected], Dawn L. Ring, Consultant-Communications and Marketing, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, [phone], [email protected]