Nov 16 2012
The official opening of two new affordable rental housing projects for seniors, people with disabilities and other low-income families and individuals was held today in Cambridge. Combined, these two projects received more than $11.8 million in federal and provincial funding. The construction of these projects created up to 318 jobs in Cambridge.
The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology, and Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario) and Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and John Milloy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Ken Seiling, Chair, Region of Waterloo, and Doug Craig, Mayor of Cambridge, made the announcement.
"The Harper Government is providing a hand-up to those who need it most here in Cambridge and in all corners of the country," said Minister Goodyear. "These two projects provide safe and affordable housing while contributing to the community and Ontario's economy."
"Our government is committed to improving access to safe, affordable housing options suited to peoples' needs," said Minister Milloy. "Projects like these help vulnerable individuals and families get ahead in life by providing stable housing and appropriate supports."
"The people behind Heartwood Place on Ainslie and Housing Cambridge Seniors have been enthusiastic and dedicated partners in the development of affordable housing in our community," said Regional Chair Ken Seiling. "Through their ongoing efforts and generous contributions of time and money, people now have even more options for safe, affordable and accessible housing in Cambridge."
"This investment is so important to the Cambridge community," said Mayor Craig. "There is a significant connection between our social infrastructure and community building initiatives that benefit all of our citizens."
Funding was provided from Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program as follows:
- Heartwood Place, 26 Ainslie Street South in Cambridge received $4.62 million for 66 units for people with disabilities and other low-income individuals and families.
- Housing Cambridge Seniors, 565 Margaret Street in Cambridge received more than $7.2 million for 61 units for seniors living on low income.
The federal and provincial funding for these projects is complemented by more than $1.7 million in municipal financial incentives from the Region of Waterloo and the City of Cambridge.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents almost 238,000 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided nearly $183 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 2003, Ontario's funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province's history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units; making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units; and providing rental and down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. The province's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.
Source: http://www.ontario.ca/housing