Posted by Moishe Alexander
16 new accessible and seniors apartments were announced today by the provincial and federal governments. The new Quispamsis units are funded under Phase III of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement.
New Brunswick Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock, also the Minister responsible for Housing, and Saint John MP Rodney Weston announced the $1.8 million project at Ken-Val United Church Suites today.
“We are pleased to collaborate with our partners to provide affordable living for low-income seniors, and to those who have accessibility needs in the Quispamsis area,” said Lamrock. “Affordable housing is part of this government’s efforts to ensure that we provide New Brunswickers with a quality, energy-efficient place to call home. ”
The housing units are being developed by Ken-Val United Church Suites Inc, a non-profit corporation. The project is receiving $480,000 in funding under the federal Affordable Housing Trust to offset construction costs, as well as just over $1 million in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick.
“This is great news for seniors in the Quispamsis area,” said MP Weston. “These new apartments will help provide more options for seniors in need of suitable, affordable housing and they will also contribute to the economic and social well-being of the community.”
MP Weston spoke on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Funding is available to private non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community or private developers interested in developing projects for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.
Ken-Val United Church Suites is being built to high energy-efficiency standards, and the developers have involved consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of affordable housing projects for low-income individuals may receive an incentive of $2,000 per apartment unit if the building is heated by low greenhouse gas emission technologies as approved by Efficiency NB.