Posted by Moishe Alexander
Funding for 40 new housing units for low-income seniors was announced today in Virden. The project, led by the Virden Centennial Housing Corporation, will include 19 one-bedroom units and 21 two-bedroom units. Construction on the project is expected to start this spring, and be completed in the spring of 2011.
Merv Tweed, Member of Parliament for Brandon – Souris, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell, on behalf of the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development broke ground today at the project site.
Funding in the amount of $2.49 million has been made available for the project through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this initiative with an investment of $158 million under the amended Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
“Through Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Manitoba and throughout the country,” said MP Merv Tweed. “That’s why we’re investing in today’s project, which will deliver safe and affordable housing that meets the needs of seniors in Virden.”
“We’re providing seniors with the option to remain in their community surrounded by friends and family, and be able to find affordable housing there as well,” said Brandon East MLA Drew Caldwell. “This is an important project for the community of Virden and it’s great to work with such committed partners who want to see this project succeed.”
Funding from the governments of Canada and Manitoba will also support the development of geothermal heating and cooling.
Today’s announcement builds on the work of the Age — Friendly Manitoba Initiative to support seniors in leading active, socially engaged, independent lives that contribute to healthy aging. The initiative’s goal is to make Manitoba the most age-friendly province in Canada by working with the communities and the federal government to enhance the programs and services that benefit the well-being of all seniors.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. 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.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
The province, with the financial support of the Government of Canada, is making a two-year $327 million investment in social housing, and will create 1,500 more affordable homes over the next five years. As well, 1,500 households will benefit from renovations to their homes and 12,000 households will benefit from building improvements. HOMEWorks! supports ALLAboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, Aging in Place, and Manitoba’s Action Strategy for Economic Growth. It also provides vital links to community and economic development.