The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the County of Wellington celebrated the grand opening of 55 affordable rental units. The project is supported by more than $3.8 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington – Halton Hills, 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 John Wilkinson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth – Wellington, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Joanne Ross-Zuj, County of Wellington Warden made the announcement.

“Our Government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in Fergus,” said MP Michael Chong. “These 55 units are more than just safe and affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the families and individual that will call them home.”

“The province of Ontario is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP John Wilkinson. “These 55 new affordable accessible rental units are going to make a positive difference in the lives of these individuals and families. The construction is part of our Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in the County of Wellington.”

“The County of Wellington is dedicated to helping all of our residents find a comfortable and safe place to call home,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “Ownership of Fergusson Place by the County ensures that long-term quality, affordable housing will be available to residents needing assistance. Through construction projects like these, the County continues to create jobs and stimulate our local economy.”

Fergusson Place, a 55-unit project located at 165 Gordon Street in Fergus, Wellington County, received more than $3.8 million through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The building is occupied by persons with special needs, singles and families. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by $5.7 million in municipal capital funding.

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 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 for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans 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.

In 2009, Ontario allocated a combined federal and provincial investment of $704 million for the renovation of social housing, and $540 million for the construction of new affordable housing. This investment is part of the Open Ontario plan, and will generate an estimated 23,000 jobs over the course of the program, while strengthening local economies across the province. To date, Ontario has approved more than $465 million for construction-ready projects, which will provide affordable housing for low-income families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, and $351.9 million for repairs benefiting some 148,000 social housing units.

The Government of Canada announced today that a housing co-operative located in British Columbia will receive more than $54,000, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

“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 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). “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 Phoenix Court Co-operativewill be using the contribution from the Government of Canada to complete disability modifications, and to replace baseboard heaters and appliances.

“We congratulate and thank the federal government and Minister Finley for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents, “said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards preserving jobs, assisting the local economy, and protecting valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”

The Government of Canada announced today that four housing co-operatives located in Louis-Saint-Laurent will receive more that $386,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Josée Verner, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen’s Privy Council, Minister for la Francophonie, and Minister Responsible for the Québec Region, 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.

“The four renovation projects announced today in my riding are concrete examples of measures that our government has put in place to help ensure our economic recovery and long-term growth. It is through initiatives like these ones that our economic action plan is improving the quality of life of our citizens, creating jobs and stimulating the economy, right here in the Québec region,” said Minister Verner.

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 announced today that four housing co-operatives located in Roberval – Lac-Saint-Jean will receive more that $362,000 through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made today by the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), 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 Minister Lebel. “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 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.

“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.