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.

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.