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.”

The Government of Canada announced today that the Town of Lourdes has been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Lourdes has been approved for a low-cost loan of $60,000 from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to renovate and convert an existing building to house the Town’s fire hall. This project involves upgrading the exterior of the building and installing two new bay doors which will enhance the community’s emergency response services.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Finley. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs and stimulating the economy right here in Lourdes.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“The Town of Lourdes is pleased to secure low interest, long-term funding from the Federal Government through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to assist the community in a Capital Works Projectthat will see the Fire Department relocated to a new location,” said Mayor Henry Gaudon. “This loan will allow the community to better serve its residents by providing a wheelchair accessible facility with better air quality, adequate storage for the Town fire trucks and maintenance vehicle, while also resulting in significant interest savings over the next 15 years.”

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

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.

The Government of Canada announced today that the Town of Petroliahas been approved for an infrastructure loan as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
Petrolia has been approved for an additional low-cost loan of $871,000 from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to complete the upgrade of its wastewater treatment and storm sewer systems. This upgrade will benefit the residents of Petrolia by providing efficient storm and sanitary sewer services and potable water.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Finley. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs and stimulating the economy right here in Petrolia.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“This loan will ensure Petrolia’s continued growth and has allowed us to extend the scope of repair to a key element of infrastructure which has long been of concern to this community,” said Petrolia Mayor John McCharles.

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

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.”

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of almost $780,000 as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for much needed social housing renovation and retrofit both on and off reserve.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for Prince Edward 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), made the announcement.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking concrete action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said Minister Shea. “Funding new construction, and renovation and retrofit projects like these on and off reserve projects will not only improve the overall housing conditions, and quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable for years to come, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs.”

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications for year two funding of the Renovation and Retrofit Initiatives for both on and off reserve, and applications for New Construction funding on-reserve. Applications for this second round of funding will be accepted between February 1, 2010 and February 22, 2010.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, over $180,000 in federal investments are being announced today for First Nations in Prince Edward Island to help address immediate housing needs. Abegweit First Nation is receiving funding to retrofit seven existing social housing units and Lennox Island First Nation is receiving funding to build one new social housing unit and retrofit four existing social housing units. This funding will help improve housing conditions in these First Nation communities.

The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and Lanark County today announced the start of construction of new affordable housing in Perth. The project received over $1 million through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for 15 affordable housing units.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and John Fenik, Mayor of Perth and Lanark County Warden, made the announcement.

“Our government is helping Canadians during these tough economic times. In Perth, this achievement gives a hand-up to individuals and families who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said Minister Finley. “This is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.”

“The province is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said Minister Bradley. “Building new affordable housing supports individuals and families trying to break the cycle of poverty, improves their job prospects, puts local trades to work and generates business activity.”

Today’s announcement recognized the start of construction of the Rogers Road Apartments, a $1.69 million project which will provide a total of 20 affordable housing units for individuals living on low incomes including 15 units for individuals with special needs.

“It is the most vulnerable in society for whom we must care,” said Mayor Fenik. “A start is by ensuring, that those at-risk individuals, families and children have appropriate affordable housing. This project, in a small way, helps make that a reality.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, 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. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of more than $1.08 million as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to improve housing conditions for the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation community.

Inky Mark, Member of Parliament for Dauphin – Swan River – Marquette, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs, stimulating the local economy and improving housing conditions for First Nation communities in Manitoba,” said MP Mark.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the year one (2009 – 2010) new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for the fiscal year.

The year two (2010/11) application call is now open. Applications for this second round of funding will be accepted between February 1, 2010 and February 22, 2010.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $75 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Manitoba to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate more than $1.08 million to retrofit 52 social housing units in Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation to improve living conditions in this community.

“By working together to establish corporate and government partnerships, we are improving the standard of living for the residents of Birdtail Sioux,” said Chief Ken Chalmers, Birdtail Sioux Dakota Nation.

“The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed approximately $131,000 in funding for this project,” said 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). “These renovated apartments will provide quality, affordable housing for seniors and benefit the economic and social well-being of the Balcarres community.”

“Repairing rental properties not only helps to build strong, healthy neighbourhoods but, most importantly, improves the quality of life for tenants in need of stable, quality, affordable housing,” said Glen Hart, MLA for Last Mountain – Touchwood, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Donna Harpauer. “Our government is committed to putting vulnerable people first in this province, and affordable housing is an important part of that.”

Funding was provided by the Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (Rental RRAP), which is cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments. Rental RRAP provided approximately $174,000 for the project (approximately $131,000 from the federal government, with about $43,000 from the Province). An additional $14,000 in funding was provided by the provincial Saskatchewan Home Energy Improvement Program (SHEIP).

Rental RRAP provides financial assistance to rental property owners who provide affordable accommodation to low-income tenants and whose properties need major repairs.

The renovations to heating, electrical, structural, and fire safety systems were completed by Balcarres and District Senior Housing Corporation.

Located at 413 Lisgar Street, the project is an apartment building consisting of 14 one-bedroom suites.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over 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, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

In Saskatchewan, the amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, and the amendment to the Renovation Program Agreement signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support to $84 million, while the province is contributing a further $77 million for the combined investment of over $161 million.

The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with Marjolaine Étienne, Vice-Chief for external affairs of the Montagnais Council of Lac-Saint-Jean and councillor responsible for the economy, public works and housing.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nation communities in Quebec, and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Minister of State Lebel.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the year one (2009/2010) new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for the fiscal year.

The year two (2010/2011) application call is about to open. Applications for this second round of funding will be accepted between February 1, 2010, and February 22, 2010.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $45 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Quebec to address immediate housing needs.

Under the initiative, CMHC is investing more than $4.5 million to retrofit 268 social housing units in nine communities and help build nine new units in three Innu communities in Quebec. The communities receiving funding are as follows: Pessamit, Ekuanitshit, Essipit, Mashteuiatsh, Matimekush, Natashquan, Pakua Shipi, Uashat Mak Mani-Utenam and Unamen Shipu.

“In Mashteuiatsh, the funding initiative has helped to meet the most immediate needs, through the performance of different renovations to 83 housing units, some 15 of which had major work carried out on them. We hope to be able to continue improving our homes with initiatives of this type over the coming months and years, as we are concerned about the preservation and development of our overall housing stock,” said Vice-Chief Étienne.