Ontario Communities Get $65 Million Boost For Affordable Housing

January 17, 2008 – The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario today announced more than $65 million in funding for affordable housing across Ontario. The funding will help create 946 new affordable rental units in 34 projects and provide down payment assistance to 129 households.
The announcement was made by Haliburton—Kawartha Lakes—Brock MP Barry Devolin, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada, and the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Also participating in today’s announcement were Joe Dickson, MPP for Ajax-Pickering, Regional Councillor April Cullen from the City of Oshawa, Chair of Durham Region Health and Social Services Committee, and Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor for the Town of Ajax.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing more available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Devolin. “This investment will help individuals, seniors, and families in Ontario who are working towards building a better and stronger future.”
“The McGuinty government is pleased to continue its reputation of increasing the availability of affordable housing across the province,” said Minister Watson. “We believe that every Ontario family should have a safe, healthy, affordable place to call home.”
Today’s announcement was made at 40 Station St., a future affordable housing apartment complex in Ajax, sponsored by Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation. The $13.6 million project, which includes $5.7 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will result in 82 apartment units for low-income families and individuals, including people with physical disabilities and other special needs. Three additional affordable housing projects are also underway in Durham Region:
$2.2 million for a 32-unit project in Oshawa. The project is sponsored by TGFG Ventures Inc., and the units will be occupied by low-income families and individuals, including people with physical disabilities and other special needs.
$350,000 for five new units at the existing building at 20 Perry St. in Uxbridge. The project is sponsored by Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, and the units will be occupied by low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
$840,000 for a 12-unit project at 229 Lakeview Park Dr. in Oshawa. The project is sponsored by Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, and the units will be occupied by low-income families and individuals.
“The availability of a range of rental housing opportunities is vital to the economic and social well-being of growing communities like Durham Region,” said Councillor Cullen. “We are delighted to join with other levels of government in ensuring that the housing needs of this community's residents continue to be met.”
The new Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.
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For more information visit:
http://www.cmhc.ca/ http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/http://www.region.durham.on.ca/
Media Inquiries:
Pema LhalungpaOffice of Minister Solberg819-994-2428
Carlene SiopisCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation416-250-3297
Adam GrachnikOffice of Minister Watson416-585-6492
Sherri Munns-AudetThe Regional Municipality of Durham905-668-7711 ext. 2068