Posts Tagged ‘Affordability’

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) today announced the six winners of CMHC’s Housing Studies Achievement Award. Six prizes of $10,000 — three at a master’s level and three at a doctoral level — were presented by Mr. Douglas Stewart, CMHC’s Vice President, Policy and Planning, at an awards event held today in Ottawa.

“CMHC is proud to honour Canadians whose work is at the forefront of helping us foster a better future for quality, affordable housing in this country. I want to congratulate this year’s winners of the CMHC Housing Studies Achievement Award for their important contributions,” said Mr. Stewart.

The CMHC Housing Studies Achievement Award program, held every second year, was originally created to commemorate CMHC’s 60th anniversary in 2006 and the first winners were announced in November 2007. The academic work of the 2009 award recipients contributes to housing research and policy development in Canada, whether in social, economic, design or technical aspects of housing. In addition to paying tribute to the work of the award winners, CMHC is also acknowledging the work of four “honourable mentions” singled out for recognition by the expert panel of jurors reviewing submissions. Attached is a backgrounder profiling the work of the 2009 CMHC Housing Studies Achievement Award winners and Honourable Mentions.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities across the country. For more information, call 1-800-668-2642.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Jim Kenyon, Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation, today launched the construction phase of two new housing projects for seniors in Faro and Teslin.

The $4.7 million federal contribution to these projects comes through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $200 million, over two years, including $50 million for Yukon, to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. 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 Government of Canada is committed to providing Canadians a hand up to those who need it the most,” said Minister Finley. “Through this investment we are helping make an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in Faro and Teslin who are trying to build a better future for themselves.”

“With funding from Canada, Yukon government is launching several important housing projects in the territory,” said Minister Kenyon. “Access to affordable and accommodating housing gives seniors the option of staying in their community as they grow older. Faro and Teslin will benefit from retaining this important generation within their population.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan (CEAP) will provide $2 million to construct a seniors’ residence in Faro, which has one of the highest ratio of seniors and near-seniors among Yukon’s municipalities. The residence will contain six 1-bedroom suites.

CEAP funding of $2.7 million was approved for seniors’ residence in Teslin. The residence will contain seven 1-bedroom suites and one 2-bedroom suite. Two of the seven units are for seniors with a disability.

Construction in both communities is underway and will continue throughout the winter, generating employment for trades. Completion is anticipated for the fall of 2010.

Both buildings are wood frame construction and feature SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and Accommodating Home standards for a barrier-free living environment.

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.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Resilient consumer spending, large capital projects
and improved employment will continue to support the St. John’s region housing market
throughout the remainder of 2009 and in 2010, according to Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation’s (CMHC’S) Housing Market Outlook – St. John’s report released
today.
Housing starts are expected to end 2009 at 1,675 units, with 1,800 starts forecast for
2010. The resale or MLS®1 market will post 3,450 sales by the end of this year and reach
the 3,575 level in 2010. The average MLS® house price is expected to end 2009 at
$215,500 compared to $187,571 in 2008 and increase to $225,500 in 2010.
“Despite the recent global economic uncertainty, strong fundamentals will continue to
support demand for housing throughout the remainder of 2009 and in 2010,” said Chris
Janes, senior market analyst with CMHC in Newfoundland and Labrador. “Overall, the
positive outlook for the St. John’s area housing market will be reinforced by favourable
trends in demographic and economic fundamentals, as well as on-going economic
momentum fuelled by a lengthy list of major capital projects,” added Janes.
As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of
experience to help Canadians access a variety of 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.