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Making the News

Tumbling TSX nothing to 'panic' about
Sep 04, 2008 — TORONTO - A move away from commodities has sent the Toronto stock market tumbling, pushed down by a retreat from oil and mining stocks and jitters about the health of the global economy.
Variable-rate mortgages may save in long run
Sep 04, 2008 — With an economy that's teetering on the edge of recession and with average household debt climbing ever higher, the time is right for pinching pennies, boosting savings and looking for ways to keep more of your hard-earned wages.
Buyers see hope as home prices decline
Sep 04, 2008 — The turn of the Lower Mainland real estate market's cycle has been more dramatic than expected, with real estate boards reporting another drop in sales and slide in prices at the end of August.
Home sales spike as prices sag
Sep 04, 2008 — Edmonton home sales surged in August by 18.6 per cent over the same month last year as the average price of a single-family detached house fell to its lowest level in 18 months, monthly statistics released Wednesday show.

Canada Mortgage & Housing Related Press Releases

West Lorne Heritage House Celebrates Official Opening

WEST LORNE, Ontario, August 27, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Municipality of West Elgin held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening of West Lorne Heritage House, an affordable housing project that will provide 16 units for seniors and individuals with special needs.

Joe Preston, MP for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Steve Peters, MPP for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Graham Warwick, Mayor of the Municipality of West Elgin, participated in today’s ceremony.

“Prime Minister Harper and our Government are committed to making affordable housing more available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Preston. “Seniors and low-income individuals in West Lorne will now have access to quality, affordable housing, while remaining close to their families and friends in the community.”

“West Lorne Heritage House will help low-income seniors and individuals with special needs live with dignity and independence,” said MPP Peters. “I am pleased that the federal and provincial governments worked together on this project to better serve the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

The $2.5 million project, sponsored by West Lorne Heritage Homes Not For Profit Corporation, received more than $1 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. It will provide 16 new apartments at 154 Munro Street in West Lorne.

Federal and provincial funding for the project is complemented by more than $1 million in municipal financial incentives from the Municipality of West Elgin.

"West Elgin thanks the federal and provincial governments for supporting our creative community partnership," said Mayor Warwick. "Heritage House provides affordable and supportive housing for seniors within walking distance of village amenities."

“It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we are officially opening West Lorne Heritage House,” said Harry Mezenberg, Chair of the Board of West Lorne Heritage Homes Not For Profit Corporation. “The seniors from our area will finally have a home in which they can retire and stay in their community. The three levels of government have come through in a huge way to make it possible and we truly thank them.”

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.

Construction Begins on Affordable Housing Project in the Cornwall Area

WILLIAMSBURG, Ontario, August 27, 2008 — The Government ofCanada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Cornwall and the Township of South Dundas are pleased to announce the start of construction of the Hess Street Project, an affordable housing development that will provide 20 rental units primarily for low-income seniors and people with special needs under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

“Our government is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Guy Lauzon , Member of Parliament for Stormont – Dundas – South Glengarry, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “Here in Williamsburg, these new rental units will help low-income seniors and people with special needs access safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”

“Our government is committed to helping Ontario’s most vulnerable citizens secure a safe and affordable place to call home,” said the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “This project will make it easier for senior citizens and people with special needs in the Cornwall area to live independently and with dignity.”

The $2.2 million project is sponsored by the Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation and received a total of $1.4 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The development will provide 20 units of affordable housing primarily for low-income seniors and people with special needs.

Federal and provincial allocations to the project will be complemented by more than $153,000 in local municipal financial incentives and $120,000 in land equity from the sponsor group.

“I am pleased that new federal and provincial funding for affordable housing has made these 20 townhouses a reality,” said Charles Barkley, Mayor of South Dundas Township. “I thank the Service Manager and Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation for all their work and dedication to help so many individuals benefit from this new housing service.”

“Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation is grateful to the Affordable Housing Program for the opportunity to build 20 townhouses, mainly for the elderly in Williamsburg Village,” said Trevor Trolley, President of Williamsburg Non-Profit Housing Corporation. “The Corporation is also grateful to the City of Cornwall as Service Manager, and would like to acknowledge the generous support of the Mayor and Council of South Dundas in this important undertaking.”

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.

New Affordable Housing in Moncton

MONCTON, New Brunswick, August 27, 2008 — The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick officially announced today the construction of 126 new affordable housing units in Moncton, of which 65 will be subsidized for low income individuals. These new homes will be part of six housing projects,that will receive a total of $4.45 million in funding under Phase III of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement.

The Honourable Mary Schryer, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, along with Rob Moore, Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, made the announcement today.

"We are pleased to join our partners in these projects to help increase the availability of good quality homes for low income individuals in the Moncton area," Schryer said. "The creation of more affordable housing is essential to our joint efforts to provide low income individuals opportunities to be active within their community."

"The Government of Canada is committed to making quality, affordable housing available in New Brunswick and across Canada available for those who need it most," said MP Moore. "Projects like these will provide low income individuals here in Moncton with safe, quality housing at an affordable cost which will help them to build a better and stronger future."

The six housing projects to receive funding under Phase III of the Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement are developed by private partners. The total construction cost of the six housing projects is $9.2 million. The projects will receive a total of $1.9 million in federal funding to offset the construction costs, as well as $2.5 million in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick for 65 units.

The objective of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement is to create and sustain rental housing for low- to moderate-income New Brunswick households through new construction or rehabilitation.

Joel MacDougall
Communications and marketing consultant
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Tel.: 902-426-6581

$300,000 to the Youth Evolution Center Inc. of Petit-Rocher

PETIT-ROCHER, New Brunswick, August 25, 2008 — The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick officially announced a contribution of $300,000 for the renovation and expansion of the Youth Evolution Center Inc. in Petit Rocher.

The Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development along with the Honourable Mary Schryer, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is proud to work with Youth Evolution Center Inc. to make a real difference in the vulnerable lives of youth,” said Minister Thompson. “The creation of these units will provide youth with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives.“

"We are pleased to join our partners in this project to provide better services to our children," Schryer said. "This project will contribute to better meet the needs of the children who currently have to be sent out of the region to get services in time of crisis."

Formerly known as the Foyer des Rameurs du Nord, the Youth Evolution Center Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mandate of re-educating and re-integrating youth between the ages of 12 – 18 into the community. They are providing services in cooperation with the Provincial Department of Social Development and the Department of Public Safety.

The renovation and expansion project includes the addition of a crisis housing unit, one housing unit for 8 – 12 youth, as well as rooms for recreational activities, therapy and consultation.

The $300,000 of funding comes from the Shelter Enhancement Program, a federal and provincial cost shared program, to offset the construction costs. The Center also received $24,500 as pre-development funds to help cover costs associated with architectural and engineering services.

The Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, as well as youth and men, who are victims of family violence.

30 New Affordable Homes for Nanoose First Nation

LANTZVILLE, British Columbia, August 20, 2008 — Nanoose First Nation celebrated the grand opening of 30 new, single family homes today. Chief David Bob and Elders Ann and Jim Bob were joined by community and guests to officially open the area's largest new housing project. More than 30 band members, including Elders and their families, will move into brand new, energy-efficient homes.

“The Government of Canada is committed to creating affordable housing for Aboriginal people in British Colombia and across the country.” said Dr. James Lunney, Member of Parliament for Nanaimo – Alberni, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “As a result of this project, First Nations families, Elders and individuals with special needs living on reserve, will have access to safe, adequate housing at an affordable cost, helping them to start a new page in their lives.”

The new units were made possible thanks in part to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) which provided a housing loan of more than $2.5 million that is delivered and administered by All Nations Trust Company, as CMHC's lender agent. Under the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program, CMHC is also contributing a planned subsidy of more than $3.2 million over the lifetime of the loan.

“We believe this housing project is a community milestone and success,” said Chief Bob. “Our community members, housing manager, contractor and inspector, have given their best to help build homes we are all very proud of.”

CMHC's On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program assists First Nations in the construction, purchase and rehabilitation, and administration of adequate, suitable and affordable housing for Aboriginal people living on-reserve.The Government of Canada provides approximately $272 million in on-reserve funding each year to address housing need.

As Canada's national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on over 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country. For more information, call 1-800-668-2642.

Tracy Wells
Senior Consultant, Communications & Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
604-999-7190

St. Thomas Opens Doors on Affordable Housing

ST. THOMAS, Ontario, August 18, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of St. Thomas today celebrated the opening of 23 new affordable rental units. This project is supported by over $1.5 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mayor Cliff Barwick; and affordable housing sponsor Nick Ostojic of Novi Construction Limited attended the ceremony.

“Prime Minister Stephen Harper and our Government are committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Preston. “The Scott Street project here in St. Thomas, will help low-income families and individuals with special needs access safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”

“Our government recognizes that one of our fundamental responsibilities is to support the most vulnerable people in our communities,” said MPP Peters. “For individuals on limited or fixed incomes, this is an opportunity to live in a safe, affordable home.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of the Scott Street Apartments. The $2 million project, sponsored by Novi Construction Limited, received over $1.5 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The 23 units will be occupied by seniors, families and individuals with special needs.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by almost $500,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“Affordable housing is in great demand. With the co-operation of the Federal and Provincial governments we can see these needs being met,” said Mayor Barwick. “This building is a splendid asset for our community, particularly in the core area.”

Peterborough Celebrates New Affordable Housing for Seniors

PETERBOROUGH, Ontario, August 15, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Peterborough today celebrated the opening of a new affordable housing project supported by over $1.7 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Dean Del Mastro, Member of Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Peterborough Second Deputy Mayor Doug Peacock on behalf of Mayor Paul Ayotte; and affordable housing sponsor Maurice Kagan and Francesco Bizzotto of Amadeo Developments attended the ceremony.

“Our Government is committed to making affordable housing more available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Del Mastro. “Seniors in Peterborough will now have access to quality, affordable housing, while remaining close to their families and friends in the community.”

“Myrtle Terrace represents the success of partnership, innovation and creativity,” said MPP Leal. “This project is providing better, more affordable housing for seniors and others living on lower, fixed incomes.”

Today's ribbon-cutting event marked the opening of a 60-unit project for seniors. The $9.6 million project sponsored by Amadeo Development, received $1.74 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by more than $700,000 in municipal financial incentives.

“The City of Peterborough is pleased to have people like Maurice Kagan and Amadeo Developments come forward with ideas to address affordable housing in our community,” said Mayor Paul Ayotte. “The private and non-profit sectors are rising to the challenge and facilitating projects with City and County support and through funding from the senior levels of government. One project at a time, we are making a difference.”

Housing Starts to Moderate in 2008

OTTAWA, Ontario, August 15, 2008 — New home construction will begin to slow in 2008, but will remain high by historical standards, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) third quarter Housing Market Outlook, Canada Edition report.

Higher mortgage carrying costs will be a catalyst for the decrease in residential construction to 215,475 units in 2008, from 228,343 in 2007. As a result, seven of the 10 provinces will register a lower number of housing starts in 2008 than in 2007.

“Strong economic fundamentals such as continuing high employment levels, rising incomes and low mortgage rates will provide a solid foundation for healthy housing markets this year,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “Increased competition from the existing home market, coupled with the elimination of the pent-up demand that built up during the 1990s, will exert downward pressure on housing starts, which will decline to 194,000 units in 2009 from 215,000 in 2008.”

Existing home sales, as measured by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS^®)¹, are expected to fall by 11.9 per cent in 2008 to 458,300 units. In 2009, the trend will continue with a decrease to 446,600 units (-2.6 per cent). Despite a slowdown of MLS^® sales, demand remains strong by historical standards. For 2008 and 2009, MLS^® price growth will remain above inflation. Prices will reach $317,450 (+3.3 per cent) in 2008 and $327,000 (+3.0 per cent) in 2009.

At the provincial level, despite British Columbia's growing population and job numbers, a well-supplied resale home market will lower new construction. Home starts will move back toward their long-term average by 2009. A tight labour market and robust income growth will partially offset the dampening effect of rising mortgage carrying costs on the demand for new and existing homes. As well, an increase in the number of existing homes for sale will offer more choice to home shoppers and reduce new home demand. Housing starts will decline to 35,800 units in 2008 and 31,500 in 2009 from 39,195 units in 2007. The average MLS^® price in British Columbia will grow by 7.6 per cent in 2008 and 3.3 per cent in 2009.

Alberta continues to experience very low unemployment and overall prosperity. Despite these positive factors, the province is expected to face a drop in net migrants between now and the end of 2008 due in part to the increased house prices in Alberta and improved labour market conditions in other provinces. These factors will combine to reduce housing starts to 32,750 in 2008 and 29,000 in 2009, from 48,336 units in 2007. Following exceptional 30.7 per cent and 24.8 per cent gains in 2006 and 2007 respectively, growth in the average MLS^® price is expected to slow to 1.1 per cent in 2008 and 2.8 per cent in 2009.

Since 2007, Saskatchewan has experienced a rebound in economic growth, strong job creation and a surge in net migration. This continues to contribute to strong housing demand within the province. Total housing starts reached 6,007 units in 2007, the highest level in 24 years. However, escalating costs will stabilize housing starts at 6,700 units this year and 5,750 units in 2009. The average MLS^® price in Saskatchewan rose by 32.0 per cent during 2007 and is expected to clim y 29.0 per cent in 2008 and 6.7 per cent in 2009.

Manitoba's solid economic performance and tight labour market conditions have boosted net migration to levels not seen since 1982 and have contributed to healthy levels of new home construction. Total housing starts reached 5,738 units in 2007, the best performance in 20 years. Starts will edge down to 5,400 units in 2008 before rebounding to 5,550 in 2009. The average MLS^® price in Manitoba increased 12.6 per cent in 2007 and will continue to increase by 14.1 per cent in 2008 and 7.8 per cent in 2009.

In Ontario, economic uncertainty, rising new housing prices and a greater selection of homes available in the resale market will result in fewer new home sales in 2008 and, by extension, a dip in new home starts in 2009. Housing starts will move up to 76,025 units in 2008 from 68,123 units last year due to pent-up demand; however starts will decrease to 65,000 units in 2009. The average MLS^® price in Ontario rose by 7.6 per cent in 2007. For 2008 and 2009, the increases will be more modest at 2.8 per cent and 2.3 per cent respectively.

Solid job creation and steady economic growth in Quebec during 2007 pushed housing starts up by 1.4 per cent to 48,553 units. A moderation in employment growth will cause a slight shift downwards in 2008 to 46,600 units and 45,750 in 2009. A reasonably healthy resale market will also fuel average MLS^® price growth in Quebec; prices will increase by 4.7 per cent in 2008 and 2.7 per cent in 2009.

In New Brunswick, rising mortgage carrying costs, a slower economy and more choice in the resale market will result in lower levels of new home construction. Housing starts are forecast to decline slightly to 4,200 units in 2008 from 4,242 units in 2007. Moving into 2009, starts are expected to fall to 3,875 units. The average MLS^® price in New Brunswick rose by 7.7 per cent during 2007. The price increases will be more modest at 4.7 per cent in 2008 and 2.1 per cent in 2009.

Nova Scotia is experiencing slower employment and population growth during 2008, causing new home construction activity to be more restrained. Housing starts are forecast to decrease to 4,475 units in 2008 and 4,200 in 2009 from 4,750 units in 2007. After rising 7.3 per cent in 2007, the average MLS^® price in Nova Scotia is expected to increase by 5.0 per cent in 2008 and 2.4 per cent in 2009.

Prince Edward Island's economy is expected to undergo modest economic growth through 2008. As a result, housing starts will slowly decline to 700 units in 2008 and 650 in 2009 from 750 units in 2007. The average MLS^® price in Prince Edward Island will rise by 3.4 per cent in 2008 and 1.4 per cent in 2009. Last year, the average price on the resale market increased by 6.4 per cent.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, a strong export-driven economy has pushed housing demand up. Housing starts for 2007 were up 18.6 per cent to 2,649 units. For 2008 and 2009, starts will reach 2,825 units for both years. The average MLS^® price in Newfoundland and Labrador will rise by 14.9 per cent in 2008 and 6.4 per cent in 2009.

As Canada's national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

1 The term MLS® stands for Multiple Listing Service and is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

National Housing Outlook

Provincial Housing Outlook

2 The term MLS^® stands for Multiple Listing Service and is a registered trademark of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Data are for 10 provinces.

Construction Begins on Affordable Housing Projects in London

LONDON, Ontario, August 14, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of London today celebrated the start of construction for 78 new affordable rental units in two London projects. These projects are supported by over $5 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Bev Shipley, Member of Parliament for Lambton – Kent Middlesex, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Khalil Ramal, MPP for London – Fanshawe, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mayor Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, on behalf of the City of London; and affordable housing sponsors Robert Sexsmith of Huron Pines Housing Co-op Inc. and Greg Playford of Homes Unlimited Inc. attended the ceremony.

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

“Our government knows we can better serve Ontario’s most vulnerable by combining our resources and experience,” said MPP Ramal. “We are pleased to work with our federal and municipal partners to increase the quality and availability of affordable housing in London.”

Today’s announcement recognized two affordable housing projects in London, with a combined total project cost of $10.6 million:

The federal and provincial allocations to the projects were complemented by over $1.3 million in municipal financial incentives.

“This is an extremely important day for London, as we celebrate another important step in our community’s fight against homelessness,” said Mayor DeCicco-Best. “By working together with all levels of government to address the growing national need for more affordable housing, we will be able to positively change the lives of those most vulnerable in our community, and across the country.”

Housing Starts Down in July

OTTAWA, Ontario, August 11, 2008 — The seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of housing starts was 186,500 units in July, down from 215,900 units in June, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“After a strong first half of the year, the volatile multiple segment is now readjusting itself.” said Brent Weimer, Senior Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “This brings activity since the start of the year closer in line with our 2008 forecast of more than 200,000 housing starts for the seventh consecutive year.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 14.8 per cent in July compared to June. Both urban multiples and singles moved down, with a drop of 20.2 per cent for multiples to 91,600 units, and a 6.6 per cent decline for singles to 69,800 units.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts went down in Ontario and to a lesser extent in the Prairies, where housing starts decreased by 38.8 per cent to 47,800 and by 1.6 per cent to 30,600 in July, respectively. Urban starts increased slightly by 2.2 per cent to 41,200 units in Quebec, by 2.4 per cent to 8,700 units in Atlantic Canada, and by 5.1 per cent to 33,100 units in British Columbia. While single starts decreased in all regions in July, with the exception of the Atlantic Canada where they remained unchanged, multiple urban starts only registered a decline in Ontario.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 25,100 units in July².

For the first seven months of 2008, actual starts in rural and urban areas combined were up an estimated 2.3 per cent compared to the same period last year. Year-to-date actual starts in urban areas have increased by an estimated 2.4 per cent over the same period in 2007. Actual urban single starts for the January to July period of this year were 15.5 per cent lower than they were a year earlier, while multiple starts were up by 19.0 per cent over the same period.

1. All starts figures in this release, other than actual starts, are seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) — that is, monthly figures adjusted to remove normal seasonal variation and multiplied by 12 to reflect annual levels.

2. CMHC estimates the level of rural starts for each of the three months of the quarter, at the beginning of each quarter. During the last month of the quarter, CMHC conducts the survey in rural areas and revises the estimate.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

Source: CMHC
*Seasonally adjusted annual rates
** Urban centres with a population of 10,000 and over.
Detailed data available upon request.

New Affordable Housing Complex Opens its Doors in Ponoka

PONOKA, Alberta, August 06, 2008 — Low-income singles and persons with special needs now have an affordable housing option thanks to a partnership between the Community Mental Health Services (Adult Community Program for the David Thompson Health Region), the Ponoka Rising Sun Club House Society, the Rimoka Housing Foundation and private enterprise.

North Bridge Suites has officially opened its doors offering 23 studio or bachelor units at below market value, with rents less than $400 per month. Of the 23 units, 19 are for recipients of the provincial Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program.

“Our Government is committed to making housing more affordable for Albertans and Canadians across the country for those who need it most,” said Blaine Calkins, Member of Parliament for Wetaskiwin on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “Projects like North Bridge Suites, will give low income individuals and persons with special needs in Ponoka the opportunity to stay in their community close to family and friends, while receiving the care and support they need.”

“This supportive and affordable housing initiative will provide a safe new beginning for Albertans who are ready to reintegrate into the community,” said Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs. “I am pleased that we are a partner in bringing safe and affordable housing to these vulnerable Albertans.”

“Congratulations on a project that is well done and much needed in our community,” said Doug Gill, Chairman of the Rimoka Housing Foundation.”

This is the final year (2008 – 09) of a three-year commitment that will see the completion of $40 million in federal funding made available through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and administered by the provincial government. North Bridge Suites received $1.4 million in capital funding from this initiative.

The Government of Alberta continues to work in partnership with the federal government in providing funding for projects that increase the supply of affordable housing through the development of new rental units as well as transitional and supportive housing.

Bill Strickland
Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs
Tel.: 780-422-8047
Email: bill.strickland@gov.ab.ca
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000

Kimberlee Jones
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Tel.: 403-515-3048
Email: kjones@cmhc.ca

Government of Canada Partners to Bring Supportive Housing for Abuse Victims to Vanderhoof

VANDERHOOF, British Columbia, August 05, 2008 — Construction has begun for a supportive housing complex run by the Omineca Safe Home Society. Funded by the federal government and other partners, this project will provide support and opportunities to women and children who have experienced domestic violence.

“The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to help the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless,” said Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. “We are proud to support community efforts that help find local solutions to local problems. Through this investment, the Omineca Safe Home Society complex will provide safe and supportive housing to women and their children who are experiencing family violence.”

The federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided funding of $600,000 through its Shelter Enhancement Program to build the four units of second-stage supportive housing. The Shelter Enhancement Program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, youth and men who are victims of family violence; and in acquiring or building new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

Other funding partners include the Vancouver Foundation, who provided $75,000, and the Real Estate Foundation who provided $75,000 and various other Vanderhoof businesses and community members who, together, provided a contribution of $49,000.

“The support and safety this building provides will allow women, with or without children, to move on to the next step in their lives,” said Joy Aitkens, Retired Coordinator of the Omineca Transition House. “We would like to thank our community and funding partners for making this possible.”

Specialized services and programs will be available and the new facility will also include amenities and office space. Located downtown and near the Omineca Transition House, also owned and operated by the Omineca Safe Home Society, this housing complex is expected to be completed in early 2009.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country. The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will contribute more than $130 million towards affordable housing in B.C.

Susan Monic CMHC 416-250-2745	Adam Grachnik Minister Jim Watson's Office 416-585-6492
Susan Bacque City of Peterborough 705-742-7777 Ext.1492	Keith Extance Director, Housing Division Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing 416-585-7021

	2007 Actual	2008 Forecasts	2009 Forecasts
Total housing starts (units)	228,343	215,475	194,100
Total single-detached houses	118,917	97,925	93,225
Total multiple housing units	109,426	117,550	100,875
Total MLS^® sales²	520,192	458,300	446,600
Average MLS^® selling price ($)	307,306	317,450	327,000

Housing Starts, Actual and SAAR*
	Actual		SAAR
	July 2007	July 2008	June 2008	July 2008
	Final	Preliminary	Final	Preliminary
Canada, all areas	21,394	17,217	215,900	186,500
Canada, rural areas	4,027	2,773	26,400	25,100
Canada, urban centres**	17,367	14,444	189,500	161,400
Canada, singles, urban centres	9,362	6,911	74,700	69,800
Canada, multiples, urban centres	8,005	7,533	114,800	91,600

Atlantic region, urban centres	956	1,000	8,500	8,700
Quebec, urban centres	3,232	3,122	40,300	41,200
Ontario, urban centres	6,461	4,911	78,100	47,800
Prairie region, urban centres	3,938	2,559	31,100	30,600
British Columbia, urban centres	2,780	2,852	31,500	33,100

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