Canadian Funding Corp Reviews CMHC Affordable Housing Reports

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada announced today that 62 housing co-­operatives and non-profit organizations located in the greater Montréal area will receive more than $5.8 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made in Montréal, at Maison Jean-Brillant, by Senator Claude Carignan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), in the company of Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc.

“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 Senator Claude Carignan. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the economy and create 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 that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Repairs that are eligible for funding include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

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

“The financial contribution of $259,893 provided under the federal renovation and retrofit initiative administered by CMHC will benefit the residents of Maison Jean-Brillant,” said Richard McConomy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Maison Bieler inc. “In fact, these funds will serve to renovate the elevator systems to ensure the safety of the residents. We are very pleased to have received this funding, which will help improve the quality of life and safety of our residents.”

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick today announced that 450 social housing units in southwestern New Brunswick will receive $3.5 million for repairs and renovations.

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 $75M under the amended Canada – New Brunswick 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.

Repairs include exterior retrofits, electrical, plumbing, heating, fire safety and energy improvements.

Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, 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 Kelly Lamrock, New Brunswick Social Development Minister and Minister Responsible for Housing, made the announcement today.

“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 MP Weston. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

“We are pleased to work together to provide affordable and safe accommodations for low-income seniors, families and to those who have accessibility needs in southwestern New Brunswick,” Lamrock said. “Affordable housing is a key component of this government’s Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan to ensure New Brunswickers have a quality, energy-efficient place to call home.”

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.

Posted by Moishe Alexander

The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick today announced an investment of more than $4 million for the construction and renovation of 252 housing units for low-income seniors, families and persons with disabilities. Funding in the amount of $2.59 million will be for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing, while $1.6 million will be for the construction of new affordable housing units.

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 $75 million under the amended Canada – New Brunswick 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 for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing as well as $475 million to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities over two years.

Eight housing projects will receive funding for repairs and renovations. The projects are located in Fredericton, Woodstock, Summerfield and Beechwood. Repairs to the 212 social housing units include electrical, plumbing, fire safety and energy improvements, as well as site works.

A new housing development, Tannery Court II, will also create 40 units for low-income seniors, including 4 accessible units for those with disabilities. This project is located at 543 Brookside Drive in Fredericton and is being developed by Tannery Court Co­operative Ltd., a non-profit organization. In addition to federal stimulus funding, the project is receiving more than $2.6 million in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick.

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, 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 the Honourable Kelly Lamrock, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Housing, made the announcement today.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is helping Canadians during these tough economic times. Here in Greater Fredericton, this achievement gives a hand-up to low-income seniors, families and individuals who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said Minister Ashfield. “This is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly.”

“We are pleased to work together to provide affordable and safe accommodations for low-income seniors, families and those who have accessibility needs in the Fredericton region,” Lamrock said. “Affordable housing is a key component of this government’s Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan to ensure New Brunswickers have a quality, energy-efficient place to call home.”