Canadian Mortgage News

January 2008 National News Archive

Kingston to Benefit From 73 New Affordable Homes

KINGSTON, Ontario, May 22, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Kingston today celebrated more than $5.1 million in funding for affordable housing in Kingston. This funding will help create 73 new affordable rental units in two Kingston projects.

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament for Leeds – Grenville, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada; John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Harvey Rosen, Mayor of the City of Kingston attended the ceremony. Also participating in today's announcement were Sara Meers, Chair of the Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation and Francyne Givogue, General Manager.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Brown. “Here in Kingston, these new apartments will help low and moderate income families, single and seniors with special needs, access safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”

“Our government is committed to increasing the quality and availability of affordable housing across the province,” said Minister Gerretsen. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to create new affordable housing opportunities for low-income families and seniors in the City of Kingston.”

Today's announcement recognized two affordable housing projects in Kingston, totalling over $10 million in capital costs:

• A 49-unit project, now officially open. The $8.7 million project is sponsored by Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation and will receive $3.4 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The suites are occupied by seniors. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $290,000 in municipal financial incentives.

• A 24-unit project at 41 Joseph St., now under construction. The $2.6 million project is sponsored by Kingston Home Base Non-Profit Housing Inc. and will receive $1.6 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The units will be occupied by low-income individuals who have struggled with homelessness. The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by $144,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation is to be congratulated on the successful completion of their affordable housing development which provides 49 units for low and moderate income seniors and the Corporation's business office,” said Mayor Rosen. “Home Base Housing will begin construction of their second building on Joseph Street which will provide 24 supportive and affordable housing units for individuals struggling with homelessness.“

“The Kingston & Frontenac Housing Corporation Board of Directors and staff members have had an amazing experience working together with various partners which has resulted in the creation of a seniors' affordable housing complex that includes modified units and features for seniors to enable them to 'Age in Place' which are greatly needed in our community,” said Ms. Meers.

“The concerted efforts of all three levels of government and the Board of Home Base Housing will enable 24 of our community's most vulnerable individuals to gain a 'Fresh Start' through safe, healthy, supportive, affordable housing,” said Mr. Metcalfe.

The 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.

For further information please contact:

Audrey Kim
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3448

Mary McIntyre
City of Kingston
613-546-2695 Ext.4948

Adam Grachnik
Minister Jim Watson's Office
416-585-6492

Keith Extance, Director, Housing Division
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
416-585-7021

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

News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)