The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of North Bay today celebrated an official opening and ground breaking of two new affordable rental projects. The projects are supported by $380,000 in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew – Nipissing – Pembroke, 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 Honourable Monique Smith, Ontario’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Victor Fedeli, Mayor of the City of North Bay; and George Jupp, Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administrative Board (DNSSAB) made the announcement.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand up to Canadians who need some help,” said MP Cheryl Gallant. “In these tough economic times, Canada’s Economic Action Plan is providing Canadians with the opportunities, skills, jobs and help they need so they can contribute and strengthen our communities.”

“Ontario is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said Nipissing MPP Monique Smith. “These 16 new affordable rental units are going to make a positive difference to the families living here, and an excellent addition to the community.”

Today’s announcement celebrates the official opening of The Pines at 2469 Trout Lake Road, and the groundbreaking of Cam’s Place at 240 Kingsway Avenue East. The Pines is a 12-unit project sponsored by the Girard-Johnson group, and is occupied    by families living on low to moderate incomes. Cam’s Place is a four-unit project for persons with disabilities, and is sponsored by Lorraine Venasse, Sonia Vigna, and Lynda Ceppetelli.

“We know that we need 1,000 affordable homes in the area, and the opening of the new facility on Trout Lake Road is part of 117 units we committed to last year.  This is the only example in Ontario where the feds, the province, and the municipalities came together to make it happen”, said North Bay Mayor Victor Fedeli.  He added, “The Girard units are a wonderful addition to the city – they are the new face of Affordable housing.” (TBC)

“This is our second successful affordable housing project developed through a private-public partnership with Mr. Girard. The DNSSAB is delighted to be at the table and contributing to increasing the supply of affordable housing in North Bay,” said Chair George Jupp.  “The need for supportive housing in our community has never been greater. Cam’s Place is a unique homeownership model that will ensure that these boys will always have a place to call home that is safe and affordable.” (TBC)

“I would like to thank the Federal and Provincial governments and the City of North Bay for their incentive on this project. Without financial help this would not have been possible. I hope that the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing program will continue as North Bay is still in need of many more units like these,” said Ron Girard, proponent for The Pines.

“This home will provide our family with the peace of mind that Bryan will have a place to live in a neighbourhood within the community and with his friends in a family setting,” said Cam Ceppetelli, one of the sponsors of the project.

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.

In 2008, 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 Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced $23 million in joint funding for improvements to over 219 projects in 84 communities in central and northern locations of Saskatchewan.

The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. 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 federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $132 million under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing for low-income seniors, single parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $850 million under the Affordable Housing Initiative to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing.

The announcement took place today at Luther Tower, a 22-storey building consisting of 197 affordable units for low and moderate income seniors. A total of $441,000 was provided by the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan to complete window repairs to the units. The approved work for the 219 projects announced today will be completed through 2010 – 2011.

Brad Trost, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Humboldt, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and the Honourable Don Morgan, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and MLA for Saskatoon – South East, on behalf of the Honourable Donna Harpauer, Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most,” said MP Trost. “Projects like these are especially valuable right now, because they put construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly, while at the same time providing needed improvements to housing throughout the country.”

“Our government is actively working with the federal government, and other community partners, to ensure that safe, affordable and well-maintained housing will be available to meet the current and future needs of Saskatchewan citizens,” Minister Morgan said. “Luther Tower is an example of the types of renovations that are being undertaken to make a real and lasting difference in communities across Saskatchewan.”

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.

The amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which included funding under Canada’s Economic Action Plan, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $74 million to the province. The Government of Saskatchewan will match that commitment for a total of $148 million to assist those in housing need and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible. In Saskatchewan, federal-provincial housing programs are delivered through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

The Government of Canada announced today that the City of North Battleford has been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The announcement was made by the Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Member of Parliament (Battlefords – Lloydminster) on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Ritz. “This program is opening the door for municipalities to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs, stimulate communities in all corners of the country, and support Canadian workers and families.”

North Battleford has been approved for $2.5 million in a low-cost loan from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to increase the water treatment capacity at the groundwater supply water treatment plant #1. The expansion will better utilize the existing groundwater supply facilities, will improve the availability of treated water storage and will reduce produced water loss for residents of North Battleford.

“The $2.5 million CMHC Municipal Infrastructure loan will help our city meet an increasing demand for water in North Battleford,” said North Battleford Mayor Ian Hamilton. “Site preparation for the expansion of Water Treatment Plant No.1 is now underway and the entire project will be complete by March 2011.”

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.

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.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of more than $1.2 million as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the Blood Tribe First Nation community.

Ted Menzies, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Macleod, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians (INAC), made the announcement along with members of the Blood Tribe First Nation community.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nation communities in Alberta and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Parliamentary Secretary Menzies.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC and INAC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

Through CMHC and INAC some $50 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Alberta to address immediate housing needs. CMHC is contributing $695,000 to retrofit 42 social housing units on-reserve for the Blood Tribe First Nation while INAC is contributing $592,000 for other renovations and lot servicing.

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.

Economic growth in New Brunswick was limited in 2009 as exporters in the province continued to face a decline in global demand for commodities. Fewer exports have also had a negative impact on the manufacturing and transportation sectors in the province. No significant increase in economic growth is expected until a global recovery begins to take hold in 2010.

Despite economic uncertainty, the long term outlook for New Brunswick contains positive elements which will serve to support housing demand. For example, the last provincial budget for 2009-2010 focused on job creation, with $1.2 billion set aside for infrastructure programs and support to New Brunswick businesses. Notwithstanding, the return of sustained economic expansion will rely heavily on capital investment.

Employment in New Brunswick’s three large urban centres has been stable in 2009. As a result, positive net-migration continued in both Moncton and Fredericton, as each centre benefited from solid service, retail and construction sectors. Conversely, in-migration in Saint John, which has been muted in recent years, is not likely to change during the remainder of this year and in 2010. Reduced housing demand in all three centres has led to a lower level of activity in both the new home and resale markets. Employment levels are expected to remain flat in 2010; however, this should not significantly affect the housing market.

The Bank of Canada cut the Target for the Overnight Rate in the early months of 2009. The rate was 1.50 per cent at the start of 2009 and has since fallen to 0.25 per cent. The Bank has committed to keeping this rate at 0.25 per cent through the middle of 2010 unless inflationary pressures warrant an increase.

Mortgage rates have fallen over the course of 2009, but are now expected to remain relatively stable for the rest of the year. Posted mortgage rates will gradually increase through 2010, but will do so at a slow pace. For 2010, the one-year posted mortgage rate will be in the 3.50-4.25 per cent range, while three and five-year posted mortgage rates are forecast to be in the 4.50-6.00 per cent range.

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.

The Government of Canada announced today that the City of Prince Albert has been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by Randy Hoback, Member of Parliament for Prince Albert 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) and His Worship Jim Scarrow, Mayor of Prince Albert.

Prince Albert has been approved for an $8,000,000 low-cost loan from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to cover its share of a $24 million dollar infrastructure upgrade to its Water Treatment Plant. The Federal and Provincial government will cost share the remaining $16 million as part of the Federal Government’s Building Canada Fund.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Mr. Hoback “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 Prince Albert, but also for Saskatchewan.”

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. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“By providing a low cost loan, CMHC and the federal government will enable the City of Prince Albert to realize a savings of approximately $1.5 million,” said Mayor Jim Scarrow. ”This is obviously good news as it will allow the City to use those funds to benefit Prince Albert residents.”

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.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa, 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); Joe Dickson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax – Pickering, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Regional Chair Roger Anderson; and affordable housing sponsors Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation, Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation, TGFG Ventures, Inc., and Cher-Brook Properties Inc., attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Carrie. “These projects are helping low-income families access safe and suitable housing, and build a stronger future for themselves.”

“Our government knows that providing affordable housing is one of the most important ways we can help our citizens,” said MPP Dickson. “The projects we are celebrating today, such as the 82-unit residence in Ajax, will make a positive difference in the lives of the people who will call them home.”

Today’s announcement recognized five affordable housing projects in the Region of Durham:

• A 32-unit project in Oshawa for individuals living in low-income and individuals with special needs, sponsored by TGFG Ventures Inc. The $3.9 million project received more than $2.2 million under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
• An 82-unit project in Ajax for individuals living on low-income, sponsored by Ajax Municipal Housing Corporation. The $13.7 million project received more than $5.7 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
• A 29-unit project in Oshawa for individuals living on low-income and individuals with special needs, sponsored by Cher-Brook Properties Inc. The $5.1 million dollar project received more than $2 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
• A 5-unit project in Uxbridge for seniors, sponsored by Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation. This $666,655 project received $350,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.
• A 12-unit project in Oshawa for individuals living on low-incomes, sponsored by Durham Regional Local Housing Corporation. The $2.8 million project received $840,000 under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The federal and provincial allocations to the projects were complemented by over $4.5 million in municipal financial incentives.

“Today’s event is a celebration of affordable housing in Durham Region,” stated Regional Chair Roger Anderson. “We are appreciative of the funding commitment provided by our provincial and federal partners. We will continue to work in co-operation with them to help ensure that the residents of Durham Region have access to affordable housing for years to come.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, 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.