Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Orangeville

November 20, 2009

Orangeville, Ontario – Funding of $1.8 million for 15 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on a low income was announced today in Orangeville.

David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, 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 Linda Jeffrey, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton-Springdale on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Gordon D. Montgomery, Warden of Dufferin County made the announcement.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Tilson. “This investment is possible through our government’s Economic Action Plan that is stimulating the economy and creating jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

“These affordable housing projects support our Province’s efforts to reduce poverty,” said MPP Jeffrey.  “We will continue to work closely with our federal and municipal partners to maximize the number of affordable housing units which are built during the life of this program.”

“We are delighted to receive this generous funding to further support the Lawrence Avenue Seniors Building project,” said Warden Gordon D. Montgomery.  “This funding will assist with providing additional seniors’ housing units and reducing wait list times.”

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends.  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 the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 15 new affordable rental units for seniors at 40 Lawrence Avenue in Orangeville.  The project is sponsored by the Corporation of the County of Dufferin.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding with a total of 39 quick start projects totaling over $76.5 million, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities.   It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca.  To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.