The announcement was made by Patrick Brown, Member of Parliament for Barrie, 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 Patrick Brown. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the local economy and create 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 that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. 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 as follows:
Gloucester, Birchwood Meadow Housing Co-operative $386,182
Sault Ste. Marie, Cambrian Co-operative Housing Corp. $316,215
Thunder Bay, Castlegreen Co-operative Inc. $239,300
Thunder Bay, Cataraqui Cooperative Homes Inc. $92,689
Ottawa, Elmvale Housing Co-operative Inc. $246,505
Timmins, Genesis Housing Co-operative Corp. $152,150
North Bay, Genesis Housing Co-operative $142,102
Sudbury, Place Verchères $138,400
Sudbury, Robin’s Nest Co-operative Homes Inc. $133,927
Ottawa, Sandy Hill Housing Co-operative $235,405
Sudbury, The Bob and Kay Carlin Co-operative $432,586
Barrie, Three Links Co-operative Housing $180,413
North Bay, La Co-op d’habitation la Seigneurie $34,207

“In the spirit of co-operation, Three Links Co-operative Housing will continue to strive to provide quality affordable housing to future generations,” said Denise Cornish, Member of the Board of Directors, Three Links Co-operative Housing. “Thanks to the Government of Canada and CMHC, for without the grant, this work could not have been completed.”

“We congratulate and thank the federal government, Minister Finley and CMHC for making a sound investment to renovate and retrofit these non-profit housing co­operatives,” said Patrick Newman, Ontario Regional Director on the board of the Co­operative Housing Federation of Canada. “This is an excellent example of stimulus that works; it will create and preserve jobs and protect a valuable source of affordable housing for vulnerable Canadians.”
Posted by Moishe Alexander.