Canadian Mortgage News

January 2006 National News Archive

Affordable Housing Project Kicks Off Renovation in Welland

WELLAND, Ontario, May 24, 2006 — The federal, provincial and municipal governments, along with Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc. gathered today to celebrate the start of conversion of a new affordable housing apartment complex in Welland, The project is called the Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope and is named in memory of a St. Catharines psychiatrist. It will provide 28 apartments at 176 — 178 King Street in Welland, for single people who are in need of supportive housing.

Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, Niagara Regional Chair Peter Partington; Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne; and officials from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation attended the ceremony.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping local organizations develop housing solutions that meet the needs of their community," said the Honourable Jim Flaherty, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "These new units will help make safe and affordable housing a reality for people living with mental illness and clearly demonstrates what can be accomplished when the Government of Canada works collaboratively with community groups and different levels of government."

"The McGuinty government knows that access to safe, affordable shelter is especially crucial to those Ontarians living with mental illness," said Minister Bradley. "This project represents a commitment, shared among the various levels of government and community organizations, to help Niagara's most vulnerable residents with their housing needs."

The $2.4 million project, including over $851,000 from the Canada — Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP), is sponsored by the Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc.

Today's federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by more than $340,000 in municipal financial incentives.

"All levels of government have contributed to making this development possible with Niagara Region waiving its development charges for this purpose," said Peter Partington, Regional Chairman. "We're pleased to see the activity under way at this site. It's a tangible reminder to everyone that great things are possible through partnerships."

"This project is going to bring affordable housing to Welland where the need is more than apparent," said Mayor Goulbourne. "Thank you to the Gateway Residential and Community Support Services team for their leadership and dedication."

"At Gateway we are excited about being able to develop 28 new units of safe, secure rental housing that is affordable, independent and permanent as well by offering support services that are ongoing, flexible, and available as required on site," said Gateway Executive Director John Osczypko.

The federal-provincial agreement, signed on April 29, 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two levels of government. With this commitment, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million over the life of the Canada — Ontario Affordable Housing Program. In total, the program will help 20,000 Ontario households by 2010.

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For more information visit: www.mah.gov.on.ca

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)