Archive for December 7th, 2009

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Funding of $7.68 million for 64 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities living on low income was announced today in Sudbury.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario’s Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Member of Provincial Parliament for Sudbury, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with John Rodriguez, Mayor of Greater Sudbury made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors and persons with disabilities who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said Minister Finley. “This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

“New housing initiatives like the one announced today add significant support to the Province`s efforts to reduce poverty and are welcomed here in Sudbury,” said Sudbury MPP Rick Bartolucci. “Ontario will continue to work with its federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built during the life of this program.”

“I am extremely appreciative of the support Greater Sudbury residents are receiving today from the Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada,” said Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez. “Finding a home in these new units will lift an enormous burden from the shoulders of someone who lives on a fixed income. We all deserve a safe place to call ‘home’, and I look forward to the day that the keys to these 64 apartments will turn in the locks.”

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates funding for 64 new affordable rental units at Copper Street Apartments, 192 Copper Street in Sudbury. The project is sponsored by Dalron Construction Limited.