Canadian Mortgage News

January 2007 National News Archive

New Affordable Housing Project Opens in Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ontario, June 01, 2007 — Canada’s New Government, the Government of Ontario, the District Municipality of Muskoka, Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group and community partners held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening a new supportive housing development. Chrysalis Shelter and Supportive Housing, funded under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, provides 10 affordable rental units for women and their children.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health and Minister for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; District Councillor Fran Coleman, on behalf of Gord Adams, Chair of the District Municipality of Muskoka; and Huntsville Mayor Claude Doughty.

“Canada's New Government is proud to help provide safe and supportive housing to vulnerable women in Huntsville,” said Minister Clement. “This funding is helping the Chrysalis Shelter give women and children hope, dignity and a path to a safer, better and stronger future.”

“The McGuinty government is committed to providing access to safe and affordable shelter for Ontarians who are endeavouring to live with dignity and independence,” said Minister Gerretsen. “The Chrysalis project will make a significant difference in the lives of vulnerable women and children in Muskoka by providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home."

The $3 million project includes $700,000 from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The project is sponsored by Muskoka Women’s Advocacy Group, and the units will be occupied by low-income women with or without children.

Federal and provincial allocation was complemented by more than $60,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“Once again the Muskoka community has demonstrated our legacy of pulling together to improve the quality of life for all our residents”, said Councillor Coleman, Chair of the District Community Services Committee. “I am delighted to see this project come to fruition and I know that Chair Adams and the rest of District Council hope that the day will come when there is no longer a need for such a shelter.”

“The Chrysalis project has been urgently needed in this community for decades,” said Mayor Doughty. “The people of this community have responded to the need in a most substantial fashion. Without their support in time and resources we would not be here today to open such a facility.”

“Finally all things have come together and Chrysalis is ready to open on June 4^th,” said Muskoka Women Advocacy Group Chairperson Sharon Smith. “This project has involved hundreds of people who have worked diligently and given of their time, talent and funds to make Chrysalis a reality. This has been an outstanding cooperative community initiative involving all levels of government and literally hundreds of Muskoka citizens."

The new Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement 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.

For more information, please contact:

For more information visit:

www.mah.gov.on.ca

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)