OTTAWA, Ontario, November 20, 2003 — "Best Practices in Affordable Housing", is the theme of the 2004 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Awards, announced today by the Honourable Steven Mahoney, Secretary of State responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
"The 2004 CMHC Housing Awards will recognize best practices that have resulted in affordable housing," said Secretary of State Mahoney. "In particular, it will recognize housing initiatives that are priced at or below average market housing rents or selling prices compared to other housing in the community."
Up to 14 awards will be announced, recognizing affordable housing initiatives in the Atlantic region, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, British Columbia, and the North (Labrador, Nunavik, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon).
Applicants can submit proposals in any of four categories including Neighbourhoods, Buildings, Housing Finance, and Housing with Resident Services. The closing date for applications to the Housing Awards is April 5, 2004.
Eligible applicants include individuals and organizations, private or public, who have implemented housing solutions in Canada between January 1, 1998 and January 1, 2004. Winning submissions will be chosen by an independent selection committee of housing experts from both the public and private sectors. The winners will be announced in the fall of 2004.
The bi-annual Housing Awards were established by CMHC in 1988 to recognize and share best practices in a variety of areas.
To request the Guidelines and Application Form; visit the CMHC Web site www.cmhc.ca or call 1 800 668-2642.
For further information please contact:
Ruth Chamberland
CMHC
(613) 748-2808
Chris Vivone
Office of Secretary of State Mahoney
(613) 990-1707