Archive for the ‘Quebec’ Category

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.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Innovative approaches developed by the private sector, not-for-profit sector and all levels of government are increasingly driving the production of affordable housing, particularly for low-income households, reports the 2009 Canadian Housing Observer, released today by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“The 2009 Canadian Housing Observer is unique in providing a comprehensive annual examination of the key factors influencing the development of housing, a vital sector for Canada,” said Karen Kinsley, President of CMHC.

The 2009 Observer, CMHC’s flagship publication, details the private sector’s innovations in producing affordable housing, including providing direct support to tenants or homeowners through interest-free loans and measures to reduce housing costs through creative approaches to design, construction and renovation.

For their part, not-for-profit organizations are finding ways to provide affordable housing without on-going government support. For example, the Habitat for Humanity model is based on the concept of “partnership housing” where the potential homeowners contribute sweat equity and work alongside community volunteers and businesses to build homes.

Some municipal governments are also adopting new housing policies, including housing trust funds, donating land for affordable housing and reducing or waiving municipal fees.

Underpinning these efforts is support from federal and provincial/territorial governments, through flexible agreements that allow for innovative ideas, as well as financial and in-kind contributions.

Other key findings in this year’s Observer include:

* Nationally, the incidence of core housing need decreased from 13.7 per cent in 2001 to 12.7 per cent in 2006, with most regions in the country following the national trend;
* The effects of the aging of Canada’s population over the next three decades and the important implications this will have on homebuilders, mortgage lenders and policy makers;
* The effect of immigration on population and household growth will become increasingly important;
* Housing starts were above the 200,000 unit level for the seventh consecutive year and housing-related spending contributed just over $300 billion to the Canadian economy in 2008;
* A water-sensitive approach to urban design is an important part of efforts to encourage the development of healthy, energy-efficient sustainable homes and communities.

In addition to the Observer, CMHC offers detailed online statistical housing information and analysis. This includes CMHC’s Housing in Canada Online interactive tool.

The Québec census metropolitan area (CMA) stayed the course at the beginning of the year, as the labour market there continued to grow. After the first six months of the year, the job market in the CMA was on the rise and, as such, stood out from the other five metropolitan areas across Quebec, where employment was down. Several sectors enjoyed growth, including construction, finance, and insurance and real estate.
The third quarter results, however, revealed a very different picture