Posted by Moishe Alexander
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced $350,000 to support the construction of ten new housing units in Bishop’s Falls.
Funding for this project has been made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Federal and Provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $58 million under the amended Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking concrete action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister MacKay. “Funding new construction projects like these projects will not only improve the overall housing conditions, and quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable for years to come, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”
“We believe sound investments in projects such as this affordable housing development in Bishop’s Falls, will provide more opportunities for seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently within their communities,” said Minister Hedderson. “Through Newfoundland Labrador Housing, the William’s Government, along with our federal and private sector partners, remains committed to further investments in affordable housing options for seniors and persons with disabilities.”
“We are pleased to be a partner in this enterprise and to be able to provide suitable affordable for lower-income households in the Exploits area,” said James Joy, of Exploits 2000 Inc, Grand Falls – Windsor. “This partnership between the federal and provincial governments and our company has also helped create much needed employment in our area.”
The project will involve the construction of ten two-bedroom units, including one unit for persons with disabilities on Hampton’s Hill in Bishop Fall’s. The federal/provincial funding includes $315,000 under Housing for Low-Income Seniors as well as $35,000 from Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The proponent will provide the remaining funding to cover the cost of the project. The anticipated completion date for this project is October 2010.
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.
One of the key objectives for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing in the private, public and non-profit sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and those who require supports to live independently in the community.