The Government of Canada announced today that five housing co-operatives and non-profit organizations located in Montmagny – L’Islet-Kamouraska – Rivière-du-Loup will receive more that $160,000, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made today by Bernard Généreux, Member of Parliament for Montmagny – L’Islet-Kamouraska – Rivière-du-Loup, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This contribution is part of the more than $22 million federal investment, announced earlier today by Minister Finley, for the renovation and retrofit of housing projects across Québec.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said MP Généreux. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create local jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The Government of Canada has announced an investment of more than $14 million as part of the year one funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for 20 First Nations communities in Ontario. 

Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement in Kenora today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in Ontario,” said MP Rickford.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over two years to help First Nations communities build new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also create jobs for the communities, providing an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas.

Of the funding, $65 million will be made available specifically to Ontario First Nations in order to address immediate housing needs. CMHC allocated more than $4.7 million to retrofit 251 existing housing units on-reserve in Ontario, as well as more than $9.6 million for subsidy associated with 47 new housing units to be constructed in six First Nation communities in Ontario.

MP Rickford was pleased to announce this funding on behalf of Minister Finley, since he began his career as a nurse and spent time in many isolated First Nations communities in Ontario.

“Our Government’s investment is crucial not only to address overcrowding, but to allow communities to tackle many of the social challenges and health issues that accompany it”, said Rickford.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting First Nations through targeted investments to build and renovate housing. Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of commitments by the federal government to improve housing conditions in First Nations communities. 

This commitment is in addition to the federal government’s annual investment, through Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC), of approximately $277 million for on-reserve housing needs, and INAC’s investment of approximately $118 million annually for First Nations on-reserve in the form of shelter allowance payments under the Income Assistance Program.

Under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has provided $400 million over two years to support on-reserve housing. Of the $400 million committed, $250 million will be delivered through CMHC over two years for the creation of new on-reserve housing ($125 million) and the repair and renovation of existing federally-assisted on-reserve social housing ($125 million). The remaining $150 million will be delivered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) for lot servicing, renovations, new construction of high-density multi-unit dwellings, and renovations to support the conversion of band-owned housing to private ownership.

In 2007, the Government invested $300 million in the First Nations Market Housing Fund, which encourages market-based housing on-reserve.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced today the appointments of Michael Gendron and Rennie Pieterman to CMHC’s Board of Directors.

“Both Mr. Gendron and Ms. Pieterman have extensive knowledge of the housing industry and I am confident that their years of experience will be of great benefit to CMHC and the Canadian housing industry,” said Minister Finley.

Mr. Gendron, a chartered accountant, is the Chief Financial Officer for the Mancap Group in Edmonton, Alberta. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Alberta New Home Warranty Program.

Ms. Pieterman is a partner at Practical Plumbing Co. Ltd., in London, Ontario. She has served eight years on the Board of Directors of the London Home Builders’ Association, including as President in 2003. She has also served on the Board of Directors for the Hyde Park Business Association.

Minister Finley thanks outgoing board member Gary P. Mooney for his valuable contribution to CMHC.

“Vacancy rates and rent levels in the seniors’ housing market are higher than those in the traditional rental market,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “Seniors’ residences provide a wide variety of amenities and services to their tenants. These services and amenities contribute to rents that are higher than in the traditional rental market. These higher rents, coupled with more frequent turn-over, result in higher vacancy rates.”

The national vacancy rate applies to standard spaces, which are defined as:

• private units such as a bachelor, one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartment occupied by a single individual or a couple; one unit is considered as one standard space;
• semi-private units (one unit is considered as two standard spaces);
• ward units (one unit is considered as three standard spaces or more).

The vacancy rate is calculated for all standard spaces regardless of whether the occupant participates in a meal plan or requires medical services. The vacancy rate covers only spaces that accommodate residents who receive less than 1.5 hours of care per day.

Vacancy rates varied considerably across the country, from a low of 6.2 per cent in Saskatchewan and New Brunswick to a high of 18.1 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador. The vacancy rates for standard spaces in Ontario (16.4 per cent), Nova Scotia (15 per cent) and Alberta (12.2 per cent) were above the national average of 10.8 per cent, while the rates in British Columbia (10.4 per cent), Quebec (8.4 per cent), Manitoba (7.9 per cent), and Prince Edward Island (7.1 per cent) were below the national average.

The average rent for bachelor/private units, where at least one meal is included in the rent, was $1,857 per month. Quebec posted the lowest average rent at $1,329, while Ontario posted the highest average rent at $2,585.

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.

Funding for 40 new housing units for low-income seniors was announced today in Virden. The project, led by the Virden Centennial Housing Corporation, will include 19 one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units. Construction on the project is expected to start this spring, and be completed in the spring of 2011.

Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon – Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell, on behalf of the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development broke ground today at the project site.

Funding in the amount of $2.49 million has been made available for the project through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this initiative with an investment of $158 million under the amended Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Manitoba and throughout the country,” said MP Merv Tweed. “That’s why we’re investing in today’s project, which will deliver safe and affordable housing that meets the needs of seniors in Virden.”

“We’re providing seniors with the option to remain in their community surrounded by friends and family, and be able to find affordable housing there as well,” said Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell. “This is an important project for the community of Virden and it’s great to work with such committed partners who want to see this project succeed.”

Funding from the governments of Canada and Manitoba will also support the development of geothermal heating and cooling.

Today’s announcement builds on the work of the Age — Friendly Manitoba Initiative to support seniors in leading active, socially engaged, independent lives that contribute to healthy aging. The initiative’s goal is to make Manitoba the most age-friendly province in Canada by working with the communities and the federal government to enhance the programs and services that benefit the well-being of all seniors.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. 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 five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

The province, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, is making a two-year $327 million investment in social housing, and will create 1,500 more affordable homes over the next five years. As well, 1,500 households will benefit from renovations to their homes and 12,000 households will benefit from building improvements. HOMEWorks! supports ALLAboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, Aging in Place, and Manitoba’s Action Strategy for Economic Growth. It also provides vital links to community and economic development.

The Governments of Canada and British Columbia, along with community partners, gathered today to celebrate the construction of a 58-unit housing development for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most,” said the Honourable Stockwell Day, President of the Treasury Board and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “That’s why we’re investing in this Penticton project, which will deliver safe and affordable housing that meets the needs of seniors and persons with disabilities.”

“In addition to providing increased housing access to Penticton seniors and persons with disabilities, this project will also stimulate our local economy by creating approximately 116 direct and indirect jobs,” said Bill Barisoff, MLA for Penticton.

Through an amendment to the Canada – British Columbia Affordable Housing Initiative Agreement, the federal and provincial governments are contributing a combined total of $3,278,000 million for 22 of the 58 affordable Seniors’ Rental Housing (SRH) units. In addition, the City of Penticton will provide reductions on development cost charges to help reduce the overall capital cost.

“The Kiwanis Van Horne apartments will be an important addition to our City by offering seniors and persons with disabilities increased access to affordable rental housing,” said Mayor Dan Ashton on behalf of Penticton City Council.

Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society (PKHS) provided the land, valued at $1.1 million, as well as $1 million in cash equity. PKHS is a non-profit organization providing affordable housing options for seniors and is an independent relative to the Kiwanis Club of Penticton.

“Our society is committed to providing quality housing options for seniors in our community,” said Ernst Schneider, finance officer for PKHS. “The Kiwanis Van Horne apartments will offer Penticton seniors access to 58 affordable rental homes. We are thankful to our government partners for collaborating with us on this important housing project.”

The Seniors’ Rental Housing (SRH) initiative is a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada – British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. The SRH initiative will provide $123.5 million, including $104 million for seniors and $19.5 million for persons with disabilities, to develop up to 1,000 new affordable rental housing units, which will help to stimulate local economies in smaller communities across B.C. Under terms of the agreement, the provincial and federal governments will provide matching contributions of $61.79 million.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. It provides a total of $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing, including $400 million for housing for low-income seniors and $75 million for housing for 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.

The Province of British Columbia’s $14-billion capital infrastructure program is creating up to 88,000 jobs, helping to build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province and stimulating local economies across B.C.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate¹ of housing starts was 197,300 units in March 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Seasonally adjusted annual rate estimates of housing start activity were also revised up for January and February². This resulted in month-over-month gains of 7.5 per cent in January (189,000 units), 6 per cent in February (200,400 units), and a slight decrease of 1.5 per cent in March.

“The moderation in March housing starts was due to a decrease in the volatile multiple starts segment. Helping to offset this was an increase in singles starts as well as more activity in rural areas,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 4.2 per cent to 175,200 units in March. Urban multiple starts decreased by 15.2 per cent to 77,500 units while single urban starts increased by 6.9 per cent to 97,700 units.

March’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 13.5 per cent in Quebec and by 7.3 per cent in the Prairie region, but decreased by 16.3 per cent in British Columbia, by 15.5 per cent in Ontario, and by 8 per cent in Atlantic Canada.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 22,100 units in March³.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of North Bay today celebrated an official opening and ground breaking of two new affordable rental projects. The projects are supported by $380,000 in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew – Nipissing – Pembroke, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Monique Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Victor Fedeli, Mayor of the City of North Bay; and George Jupp, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administrative Board (DNSSAB) made the announcement.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand up to Canadians who need some help,” said MP Cheryl Gallant. “In these tough economic times, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing Canadians with the opportunities, skills, jobs and help they need so they can contribute and strengthen our communities.”

“Ontario is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “These 16 new affordable rental units are going to make a positive difference to the families living here, and an excellent addition to the community.”

Today’s announcement celebrates the official opening of The Pines at 2469 Trout Lake Road, and the groundbreaking of Cam’s Place at 240 Kingsway Avenue East. The Pines is a 12-unit project sponsored by the Girard-Johnson group, and is occupied    by families living on low to moderate incomes. Cam’s Place is a four-unit project for persons with disabilities, and is sponsored by Lorraine Venasse, Sonia Vigna, and Lynda Ceppetelli.

“We know that we need 1,000 affordable homes in the area, and the opening of the new facility on Trout Lake Road is part of 117 units we committed to last year.  This is the only example in Ontario where the feds, the province, and the municipalities came together to make it happen”, said North Bay Mayor Victor Fedeli.  He added, “The Girard units are a wonderful addition to the city – they are the new face of Affordable housing.” (TBC)

“This is our second successful affordable housing project developed through a private-public partnership with Mr. Girard. The DNSSAB is delighted to be at the table and contributing to increasing the supply of affordable housing in North Bay,” said Chair George Jupp.  “The need for supportive housing in our community has never been greater. Cam’s Place is a unique homeownership model that will ensure that these boys will always have a place to call home that is safe and affordable.” (TBC)

“I would like to thank the Federal and Provincial governments and the City of North Bay for their incentive on this project. Without financial help this would not have been possible. I hope that the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing program will continue as North Bay is still in need of many more units like these,” said Ron Girard, proponent for The Pines.

“This home will provide our family with the peace of mind that Bryan will have a place to live in a neighbourhood within the community and with his friends in a family setting,” said Cam Ceppetelli, one of the sponsors of the project.

The 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 up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced $23 million in joint funding for improvements to over 219 projects in 84 communities in central and northern locations of Saskatchewan.

The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. 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. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $132 million under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing for low-income seniors, single parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $850 million under the Affordable Housing Initiative to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing.

The announcement took place today at Luther Tower, a 22-storey building consisting of 197 affordable units for low and moderate income seniors. A total of $441,000 was provided by the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan to complete window repairs to the units. The approved work for the 219 projects announced today will be completed through 2010 – 2011.

Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Humboldt, 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 Don Morgan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and MLA for Saskatoon – South East, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most,” said MP Trost. “Projects like these are especially valuable right now, because they put construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly, while at the same time providing needed improvements to housing throughout the country.”

“Our government is actively working with the federal government, and other community partners, to ensure that safe, affordable and well-maintained housing will be available to meet the current and future needs of Saskatchewan citizens,” Minister Morgan said. “Luther Tower is an example of the types of renovations that are being undertaken to make a real and lasting difference in communities across Saskatchewan.”

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.

The amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which included funding under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $74 million to the province. The Government of Saskatchewan will match that commitment for a total of $148 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Saskatchewan, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.