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.

Renters had an easier time finding rental accommodation in Vancouver this fall, compared to last year. Higher rental apartment vacancy rates have meant that renters have more choice. Although higher than last year, Vancouver’s vacancy rate is still below the national average and among the lowest in the country.

A slowdown in employment sent Vancouver’s rental apartment vacancy rate higher in 2009. The vacancy rate increased to 2.1 per cent, after sitting below one per cent for three consecutive years. Unemployment in the Vancouver Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) for the first ten months of 2009 increased to seven per cent from 4.3 per cent for the same period last year. Although employment has been gradually improving since the spring of this year, it has only been in the last couple months that full-time employment has grown.

A shift to homeownership also contributed to higher rental vacancy rates in 2009. A combination of low mortgage rates and home prices off their peak value has meant that monthly mortgage payments are lower. As of September 2009, the average monthly mortgage payment for an apartment condominium was approximately ten per cent less than it was one year ago3. Although the average mortgage payment is still higher than the average monthly rental payment, some renters have chosen to take this opportunity to enter homeownership.
Virtually all communities in the Metro Vancouver area saw an increase in vacancies in 2009. The only exception to this was the University Endowment Lands (UEL). The vacancy rate in the UEL, along with several areas of Vancouver City and North Vancouver, remained tight, below one per cent in October 2009.Vancouver City, with its educational infrastructure and job opportunities in the business centre, and the lifestyle communities of West Vancouver and White Rock recorded vacancy rates just over one per cent.Vacancies increased in all other municipalities, with suburban communities north of the Fraser River near three per cent, and communities south of the Fraser, in the 4-6 per cent range.

The rental availability rate4 for private rental apartments moved higher in 2009. The availability rate increased to 2.8 per cent in October 2009, from 1.1 per cent a year earlier. The vacancy rate for investor-owned rental condominiums increased in 2009, but to a lesser extent than that for purpose-built rental units. The rental condominium vacancy rate moved up to 1.7 per cent from 0.6 per cent last fall. The stock of rental condominiums is generally newer and features more amenities than their purpose-built rental counterparts. These benefits shore up demand for rental condominiums.

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of more than $1.2 million as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the Blood Tribe First Nation community.

Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Macleod, 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 Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (INAC), made the announcement along with members of the Blood Tribe First Nation community.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nation communities in Alberta and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Parliamentary Secretary Menzies.

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

Through CMHC and INAC some $50 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Alberta to address immediate housing needs. CMHC is contributing $695,000 to retrofit 42 social housing units on-reserve for the Blood Tribe First Nation while INAC is contributing $592,000 for other renovations and lot servicing.

Funding of $742,000 for 14 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on a low income was announcement today in Tavistock.

Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, 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 Khalil Ramal, Member of Provincial Parliament for London – Fanshawe on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Paul Holbrough, Warden of Oxford County and Don McKay, Mayor of East Zorra – Tavistock, made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP MacKenzie. “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 add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Ramal. “We will continue to work with our federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built during the life of this program.”

“Oxford County is very proud of the new affordable housing project in Tavistock,” said Warden Holbrough. “This project is an example of private enterprise partnering with public money to fulfill the needs of Tavistock. The identified need to provide affordable housing for seniors will allow seniors to live in an environment close to services they need.”

“The conversion of this Historic building, to Affordable Housing for seniors, is a most welcomed addition to the Tavistock Community,” said Mayor McKay.

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 $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 the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 14 new affordable rental units for seniors at 40 Woodstock Street.

Funding of $9.2 million for 77 new affordable housing rental units for seniors, persons with disabilities, and low income households was announced today in Orillia.

Bruce Stanton, Member of Parliament for Simcoe North, 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 Aileen Carroll, Ontario Minister of Culture, Minister Responsible for Seniors and Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Cal Patterson, Warden of Simcoe County, and Ron Stevens, Mayor of the City of Orillia, made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Stanton. “Here in Orillia, this initiative will help many people in our community, while creating jobs and stimulating our economy. This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our 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 add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said Minister Carroll. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”

“The County of Simcoe is committed to providing a wide range of affordable housing options for residents in our 16 member municipalities and the cities of Barrie and Orillia,” stated County Warden Cal Patterson. “These new affordable housing units will support seniors in Orillia, allowing many to remain in their home community as they age. This project is another outstanding example of the great things that happen when we work in partnership with other levels of government and with our community.”

“We are extremely pleased to be awarded another 77 affordable housing units through the federal and provincial governments’ funding opportunities,” added Mayor Stevens. “As of today, non-profit organizations and private developers in the City of Orillia have completed 92 affordable and accessible housing units. With this new 77-unit project at 85 Barrie Road, we will have added a total of 169 units for low income families, seniors and the disabled since 2006.”

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 $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 the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 77 new affordable rental units at 85 Barrie Road in Orillia. The project is sponsored by developer Moe Zadeh of Serenity Residentials Inc.

Funding of $6.6 million for 132 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on low income was announced today in Thunder Bay.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); Bill Mauro, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Councillor Joe Virdiramo, Secretary – Treasurer of The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB); City of Thunder Bay Councillor Brian McKinnon; along with Tracy Buckler, President & CEO of St. Joseph’s Care Group made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors 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.”

“Today’s announcement positions Thunder Bay as a community with the full continuum of health care for seniors,” said Bill Mauro, MPP Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “Supportive housing has long been viewed as the missing piece, and today we have addressed that component in a very big way.”

“The TBDSSAB is pleased that the vision of a Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services is one step closer to being realized. Through service integration and partnership, the 132 unit supportive housing project will improve the quality of services to seniors, allowing them to maintain their independence while receiving necessary supports to age in place,” said Joe Virdiramo, Secretary – Treasurer, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.

“Thunder Bay welcomes the Federal and Provincial support for this exciting aspect of the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services,” said Mayor Lynn Peterson. “Supportive housing allows our seniors to live independently and gain better access to the health care services they need.”

“This 132-unit Supportive Housing building is a vital element to ensure the continuum of care model as envisioned during the Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services (CEISS) project planning. We know that seniors would prefer to live independently in an apartment setting if they are able. This project will permit more seniors to age in place while receiving the assistance they require,” said Tracy Buckler, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Care Group and Co-Chair of the CEISS Steering Committee.

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 $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 the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today’s announcement celebrates funding for the 132-unit Centre of Excellence for Integrated Seniors’ Services project at 300 Lillie Street North. The project is sponsored by St. Joseph’s Care Group.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Windsor celebrated the funding for 15 new affordable rental units. This project is supported by $1.8 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; the Honourable Sandra Pupatello, Minister of Economic Development and Trade and Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor West on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and City of Windsor Councillor Dave Brister, attended the ceremony.

“This is great news for people with disabilities in Windsor,” said MP Watson. “These new rental units will provide more options for those in need of suitable, affordable housing, and are important to the economic and social well-being of the community.”

“Access to affordable housing is a key component of the McGuinty government’s poverty reduction strategy,” said MPP Sandra Pupatello. “We are committed to working with our federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built in our community, where they are needed.”

The 15-unit project, sponsored by Windsor Residence Inc., will be occupied by persons with disabilities.

“We are very excited about the new Windsor Residence II project” said Mayor Eddie Francis. “This project will provide much needed barrier free housing with support services for persons with physical and developmental challenges. We look forward to the completion of this new project to assist those in need of supportive housing in our community for many years to come.”

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.

Last fall, 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.

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 60^th 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.

The lives of 18 individuals changed for the better today with the official opening of the Stella Burry Community Services’ new and much-anticipated housing project in Rawlins Cross.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, 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), made the announcement today.

“The Government of Canada is proud to invest in initiatives that directly help people in our community access safe and suitable housing,” said Minister MacKay. “This project will provide safe and supportive housing and help individuals build a stronger future for themselves.”

The project has received federal funding from various initiatives to off-set construction costs. Funding by the Government of Canada, through CMHC, includes $905,000 under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Initiative and $216,000 through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program. Stella Burry Community Services also received $348,900 from the Government of Canada homelessness funding and $20,000 in Seed Funding from CMHC during the initial planning stages.

Also, the General Council of The United Church of Canada contributed $250,000 toward the completion of the project. Incorporated under The United Church of Canada, Stella Burry Community Services provides programs in the community that reflect the social justice philosophies of the United Church.

“This is such an exciting day for us,” said Jocelyn Greene, Executive Director of Stella Burry Community Services. “From the beginning, the community, the city, our staff, our board members, as well as our federal and provincial partners have all been tremendously supportive of the entire project. I know it is because people relate to the work that we, as an organization, do in this community. We all firmly believe that everyone deserves an affordable and safe place to call home; that everyone deserves opportunity and supports to be the best person that they can be. A project such as this would not be possible without that strong, unified support, for which we are incredibly grateful and blessed.”

“We are extremely proud of the work that is being carried out by Stella Burry Community Services, and are delighted to contribute to this wonderful project in St. John’s,” said Mardi Tindal, Moderator of The United Church of Canada. “The availability of affordable housing has been a persistent concern of The United Church of Canada and our record of advocacy on issues relating to housing and homelessness is well known. The leadership shown by Stella Burry Community Services to increase the availability of housing for low income individuals in the St. John’s region is to be commended as we celebrate the opening of this beautiful building today,” she added.

Last fall, 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.

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.