Posts Tagged ‘Investment’

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today that the County of Oxford has been approved for seven infrastructure loans as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by Dave Mackenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, 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).

The County of Oxford has been approved for more than $12 million in low-cost loans from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP):

  • The Town of Ingersoll will see $1.7 million put to work for the reconstruction of Clark Road East and Wonham Streets,
  • The Township of East Zorra – Tavistock will see an investment of $3 million for wastewater servicing in Innerkip,
  • The Township of Blandford – Blenheim will benefit from $3.17 million for upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant/Sewage Pump station in Platsville,
  • The City of Woodstock is investing $200,000 to upgrade its Thames Valley Sewage Pump Station, and
  • The Township of Zorra is investing $4.3 million for the Embro Wastewater Servicing Program.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said MP Mackenzie. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs and create jobs. It’s good news not only for Oxford, but also for Ontario.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“Oxford County is very happy to partner with all levels of government,” said Oxford County Warden Paul Holbrough. “Residents in Oxford will benefit for many years as a result of the funding being made available for these critical infrastructure projects”.

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

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.

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.