Canadian Mortgage News

January 2008 National News Archive

Ontario Communities Get $65 Million Boost for Affordable Housing

AJAX, Ontario, 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 and provide down payment assistance to 129 households. In addition, 113 houses in Northern Ontario will undergo repairs and renovations with funding from the Northern component under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The announcement was made by Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton – Kawartha Lakes – Brock, 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 City of Oshawa Councillor April Cullen, and Colleen Jordan, Regional Councillor for 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 Street, a future affordable housing apartment complex in Ajax, sponsored by Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation. The $13.69 million project, which includes $5.7 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will create 82 apartment units for low-income families and individuals, including people with physical disabilities and other special needs. Three additional affordable housing projects in Durham County were also announced today:

• $2.2 million for a 32-unit project at 762 King Street East 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 a five-unit project at 20 Perry Street 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 Drive in Oshawa. The project is sponsored by Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, and the units will be occupied by low-income 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.

Media Inquiries:

Pema Lhalungpa
Office of Minister Solberg
819-994-2428

Carlene Siopis
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-250-3297

Adam Grachnik
Office of Minister Watson
416-585-6492

Sherri Munns-Audet
The Regional Municipality of Durham
905-668-7711 ext. 2068

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

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)