Posts Tagged ‘renovation’

« Older Entries

Canada’s Economic Action Plan Creates Jobs and Improves Social Housing in British Columbia — Victoria

Comments: 0April 12th, 2010 by admin

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today that 39 co-operative housing projects located in British Columbia will receive more than $9.4 million, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at the Waterside Housing Co-operative by the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of State for Sport and Member of Parliament for  Saanich – Gulf Island, 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 Minister of State for Sport, Gary Lunn. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create local 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 which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The co-operative housing projects that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are listed in the attached backgrounder.

“We congratulate and thank the federal government, Minister of State for Sport, Gary Lunn, and CMHC for making a sound investment to help ensure that this affordable community is preserved as a legacy for the long-term benefit of its residents,” said Ken Elliott, President of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works towards preserving jobs, assisting the local economy, and protecting valuable affordable housing assets for Canadians.”

“The members of the Waterside Housing Co-operative are extremely grateful for CMHC’s approval of our grant application which went to installing new countertops and cupboards in 27 units’ kitchens and bathrooms,” said Susan Barron on behalf of the Waterside Housing Co-operative. “The renovations have made members feel a strong sense of pride for their homes and we would like to thank the Canadian Government and CMHC for making it possible.”

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in CMHC, Canada, affordable housing

Governments of Canada and Yukon Celebrate New Affordable Housing and Retrofits in Territory

Comments: 0April 12th, 2010 by admin

Posted by Moishe Alexander

Senator Daniel Lang (Yukon), 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 the Honourable Jim Kenyon, Minister responsible for Yukon Housing Corporation, announced today the construction of new affordable townhouses in the Ingram subdivision of Whitehorse, in addition to renovation funding for existing social housing.

The $5.4 million federal contribution to the projects comes through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession.  Recognizing the distinctive needs of the North, Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $200 million, over two years, including $50 million for Yukon, to support the renovation and construction of new social housing units. Additionally, CEAP provides $850 million to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing. 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.

“Our Government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Senator Lang. “Year 2 of Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs and stimulate the economy here in Yukon and in all corners of the country, while also supporting Canadian workers and families.”

“Yukon Housing Corporation is pleased about this new housing project,” said Minister Kenyon. “Six Yukon families will find affordable and comfortable homes here, and the project is providing beneficial SuperGreen training to the construction industry. Investing in our existing social housing stock helps extend the life of the buildings and the retrofits will result in better, more comfortable housing for our clients.”

With some $2.1 million in federal stimulus funding, the new construction project in the Ingram subdivision of Whitehorse will be a 6-unit townhouse complex with two 4-bedroom units and four 3-bedroom housing units for eligible social housing clients. These barrier-free units are being built to meet Yukon Housing Corporation’s Super GreenHome standards. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation Development Corporation 42135 is constructing the project for Yukon Housing Corporation. Completion is anticipated for Fall 2010.

Stimulus funding has also contributed to various retrofits throughout Yukon communities. The federal government is contributing $3.3 million and the Yukon government is contributing $430,000 to these projects. In addition to adding more insulation to some units, Yukon Housing Corporation has also replaced 16 older furnaces with more efficient models, made upgrades to three boiler systems and installed 12 Heat Recovery Ventilation (HRV) systems. Forty-two steel fuel tanks were replaced with dual containment fiberglass tanks. Other retrofits include insulation and lighting upgrades, and attic air sealing. Two Yukon Housing Corporation apartment buildings in Whitehorse will be receiving major exterior retrofits, including superinsulating the building envelope.

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in CMHC, Canada

Social Housing in Saskatchewan Being Renovated

Comments: 0April 12th, 2010 by admin

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan today announced $31 million in joint funding for improvements to more than 247 projects in 97 communities in southern 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 in Regina at Cornwall Village Housing Co-operative, a 91-unit high rise for low- and moderate-income seniors. A total of $1.8 million is being provided by the Government of Canada and Saskatchewan for elevator, boiler and air handling system replacement and window repairs. The approved work for the 247 projects announced today will be completed through 2010 – 2011.

Andrew Scheer, Member of Parliament for Regina – Qu’Appelle, 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 First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer, 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 here in Saskatchewan,” said MP Scheer. “Projects like these are especially valuable during these tough economic times, because they put construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly while also providing needed improvements to housing throughout the country.”

“Our government is committed to improving housing availability and affordability in Saskatchewan,” Minister Hutchinson said. “This investment will ensure that safe, affordable, and well-maintained housing will be available to people who need assistance. It’s more important than ever to work together to develop housing solutions that will benefit Saskatchewan citizens and revitalize communities. Cornwall Village, and other renovation projects like it, is an example of that.”

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.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in CMHC, Canada, affordable housing

« Older Entries