Caledon, ON – The Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Region of Peel today announced $1.8 million to fund a construction-ready project in Caledon.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Today’s announcement recognized the successful application by Abbeyfield Houses Society of Caledon to add 12 units of affordable housing for low-income seniors.

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 Vic Dhillon, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Region of Peel Chair Emil Kolb, made the announcement today.

“This Government is working hard to support Canadians during these challenging economic times and we are moving aggressively to ensure Canada’s Economic Action Plan is implemented rapidly,” said MP Tilson.  “With these investments in Ontario, we are making an important difference in the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens. Low-income seniors, families and persons with disabilities will soon have access to suitable, affordable housing.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Dhillon.  “This first wave of funding will lead to construction by September and we will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”

"This funding from both governments creates a win-win situation for all stakeholders, as it will provide more homes for seniors and also help to stimulate the local economy," said Chair Emil Kolb. “The Region of Peel is also pleased to partner with Abbeyfield to provide the land and additional funding for this much-needed development for seniors in the Caledon community.”

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this new funding, which increases the number of quick start projects to 35 totalling $66.1 million and 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.

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.

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

For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca