Posts Tagged ‘community’

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Governments of Canada and Yukon Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Teslin and Faro

Comments: 0November 5th, 2009 by admin

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.

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Posted in CMHC, Canada, moishe alexander

Social Housing in Yellowknife Renovated

Comments: 0November 3rd, 2009 by admin

Posted by Moishe Alexander
A major renovation and retrofit has been completed on one of the most important community buildings in Yellowknife. More than $495,000 was provided by the Governments of Canada and the Northwest Territories to complete an extensive energy retrofit on the Northern United Place (NUP).

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 territorial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $110 million under the amended Canada – Northwest Territories 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 renovation and energy retrofits undertaken on Northern United Place are expected to extend the life of a building that is essential to Northwest Territories residents. The project included the installation of a new boiler system, new siding, and window replacements.

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 Robert McLeod, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

“This renovation and retrofit project will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister Finley. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.”

“Northern United Place is one of the most important buildings in Yellowknife. It is more than a housing facility. It is where northerners attend Aurora College to become nurses, teachers, business people and community leaders. It also serves as a gathering place for public events, community presentations, and church services. I am pleased that our investment in the building will extend the useful life of this important community facility”, said the Honourable Robert C. McLeod, Minister Responsible for the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation.

“Through the Affordable Housing Initiative and the matching contributions of the GNWT, the Northwest Territories Housing Corporation looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Government of Canada to improve the quality of housing throughout the Northwest Territories.”

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.

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Posted in CMHC, Canada, Social Housing

Seniors Housing Project Opens in Saskatoon

Comments: 0November 2nd, 2009 by admin

Posted by Moishe Alexander
There is more affordable housing for seniors in Saskatoon, thanks to a $2.8 million federal, provincial and municipal funding partnership. Bethany Manor, a 56-unit affordable rental housing complex for low to moderate-income seniors, was officially opened today.

“The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Maurice Vellacott, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Wanuskewin, 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). “Through this investment we are stimulating the local economy and creating jobs. We are also making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in Saskatoon who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves.”

“As our population ages, there is a growing need for quality, affordable housing that will allow seniors to continue to live in their communities with dignity and independence,” said MLA Joceline Schriemer, MLA for Saskatoon – Sutherland, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. “Projects such as Bethany Manor help meet that need, as well as contribute to healthy communities and healthy neighbourhoods.”

“Bethany Manor means so much to the seniors in Saskatoon,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “It provides affordable housing to a very important target population as identified in the Saskatoon Community Plan on Homelessness and Housing. We are all partners in keeping our seniors safe, secure, and active in our community.”

Located at 210 Pinehouse Drive in the Lawson Heights area of Saskatoon, Bethany Manor consists of 56 one- and two-bedroom life-lease and affordable rental housing units for low and moderate-income seniors in a supportive setting. The project was undertaken by Saskatoon Mennonite Care Services Inc., a community-based non-profit corporation established in Saskatoon in 1981.

The building’s innovative geothermal heating and cooling system, worth approximately $1.1 million is expected to save approximately $100,000 a year in utility and operational costs. The environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas will mean a reduction of almost 3 million kilograms of carbon dioxide annually.

The total cost of the project is approximately $7.7 million. Of that amount, $2.8 million in funding was provided to assist in the construction by the federal, provincial and municipal governments: $1.4 million from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; $1.1 million from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, and $280,000 from the City of Saskatoon. The funding balance consists of land, equity, in-kind contributions, equity from occupants and mortgage financing.

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

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Posted in CMHC, Canada, moishe alexander

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