Groundbreaking held for Bloomingdale Mews

KITCHENER, Ontario, December 3, 2004 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the Region of Waterloo today celebrated the official groundbreaking for Bloomingdale Mews.

The $7.6 million project, including more than $1 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will provide 79 apartments of affordable housing in Kitchener.

Lynn Myers, MP Kitchener-Wilmot-Wellesley, John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre, and Waterloo Regional Chair Ken Seiling attended today's ceremony.

"Today's ceremony demonstrates the Government of Canada's dedication to the affordable housing cause," said MP Lynn Myers, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "We are working hard with our partners to create affordable housing right here in Kitchener-Waterloo, for those who need it the most."

"Affordable housing is fundamental to the well-being, vitality and strength of families and the communities in which they live," said Mr. Milloy. "The McGuinty government is back in the housing business, with a firm commitment to ensuring safe, affordable homes for the people of our province."

"Bloomingdale Mews is another example of Waterloo Region's commitment to build more community housing," said Mr. Seiling. "Funded under Council's innovative Affordable Housing Strategy, this project will further improve accessibility to housing and improve the lives of many citizens in our community."

The 79-unit project at 593 Strasburg Road in Kitchener, is sponsored by the non-profit organization, Bloomingdale Mews Ltd. The units will be occupied by lower income families and single persons, and up to 10 households will pay rent geared to their income.

The federal and provincial contribution has been complemented by more than $1.7 million in funding from the Region of Waterloo.

In the Region of Waterloo, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has contributed $940,000 through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The project is part of a five-year commitment that will create affordable housing units in Ontario. This partnership combines Government of Canada funding of $245 million with matching contributions of the Government of Ontario, municipalities and other non-profit partners.

For further information please contact:

Peter Graham
Office of Minister Fontana
(613) 953-5646

Ross Parry
Office of Minister David Caplan
(416) 325-1657

Rob Horne
Director of Housing
(519) 575-4521

For more information visit:

www.mah.gov.on.ca
www.region.waterloo.on.ca