Posts Tagged ‘Jeff Watson’

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today that two housing co-operatives in the Amherstburg and Windsor areas will receive more than $600,000, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at the Rosewood Crescent Housing Co-operative by Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said MP Watson. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create local jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are:
Rosewood Crescent Co-operative Housing Inc. (Amherstburg) $169,753
Border City Co-operative Homes Inc. (Windsor) $448,000

“We congratulate and thank the federal government, MP Watson and CMHC for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents,” said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards preserving jobs, assisting the local economy, and protecting valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”

“We are very pleased to be receiving the Renovation and Retrofit grant through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve our cooperative,” said Kim Klyn, Corporate Secretary, Rosewood Crescent Housing Co-operative. “These significant renovations will have a tremendous positive impact for our members and their quality of life.”

“We are very pleased to be working with CMHC and the Government of Canada on the Renovation and Retrofit grant through Canada’s Economic Action Plan”, said Anna Angelidis, Executive Director, Labour Sponsored Community Development Group, on behalf of Border City Co-operative Homes Inc. “This grant not only stimulates the local economy, but it also provides for a healthier, safer and more energy efficient home environment for the current and future members of Border City co-op.”

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced renovation funding for Hiatus House as part of $73 million in federal funding being spent in Ontario over two years for renovation projects. Thanks to this funding, Hiatus House is able to undertake needed renovations to their facility.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); along with Essex Member of Parliament, Jeff Watson, representatives from Hiatus House and invited guests attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is committed to providing renovation funding for low-income households, as well as supportive housing in Ontario and across Canada,” said Minister Finley. “The women and children who benefit from the services of Hiatus House in Windsor will now be able to access safer and more secure housing, and build a stronger future for themselves.”

Hiatus House is a 42-bed facility that provides a safe environment for women who are victims of domestic violence and their children. Essential renovations to increase the safety and security of the women and children who access the services include window security, protecting the perimeter of the property, security cameras and fencing the playground area. Renovations to the facility will be made possible with funding of more than $288,000 through the extension of CMHC’s renovation programs, including the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).

CMHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, as well as for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

“The extension of CMHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program has provided Hiatus House with the funding required to maintain and enhance the safety and security of our shelter so that we may continue to provide a safe haven for women and children fleeing abusive partners” said Sue McMullen, Vice-President, Board of Directors and President Elect at Hiatus House. “Over the last several years, we have been able to undertake a number of significant capital projects that we would otherwise have been unable to complete without the help of this funding.”

Hiatus House has offered quality, emergency housing and support services to over 2,984 women and their children since their first shelter opened in Windsor in July 1976.  Hiatus House has been serving the Windsor – Essex community since that time.

In September 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless which extended the existing renovation programs for low-income households for two years.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with a one-time investment of more than $1.9 billion over two years to build new and repair existing social housing for low-income Canadians.