Canadian Funding Corp Reviews CMHC Affordable Housing Reports

Posted by Moishe Alexander

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 announced today that four housing co-operatives will receive $751,232, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments announced in Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made in Saguenay by the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government 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 people with disabilities.

“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 the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn. “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.”

On February 1, 2010, CMHC will begin accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for year two. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of people with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are:

Coopérative d’habitation Place des Lilas, $401,310

Coopérative d’habitation Adélard-Plourde, $12,642

Coopérative d’habitation Lanjevine, $59,800

Coopérative d’habitation Habitat 2000, $277,480

“The financial contributions provided under the federal renovation and retrofit initiative administered by CMHC will benefit the residents of Place des Lilas,” said Louis Boily, Chair of the Board of Directors, Place des Lilas. “In fact, these funds will serve to renovate the windows and retrofit the heating system to ensure the quality of life of our families. We are very pleased to have received this funding, which will help improve the comfort and safety of our residents.”

Canadian Funding Housing reviews family housing project. The Honourable Daniel Lang, Senator (Yukon), 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), along with the Honourable Jim Kenyon, Minister Responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation and the Honourable Marian Horne, Yukon Minister Responsible for the Women’s Directorate, launched the construction phase of a Whitehorse Affordable Family Housing project today.

The $8.5 million federal contribution to the project 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 the Yukon, to support the renovation and the construction of new social housing units. 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 Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in the Yukon and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Senator Lang. “We are also making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in Whitehorse who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves.”

“With funding from the Government of Canada, Yukon government is launching several important housing projects in the territory,” said Minister Kenyon. “Construction of the Whitehorse Affordable Family Housing is creating jobs for Yukoners and will provide much-needed housing for lone-parent families.”

Construction of the 32-unit apartment-style affordable housing project on Nisutlin Drive in Whitehorse will continue throughout the winter, generating employment for trades. Completion is anticipated for the fall of 2010. The two-storey wood frame construction will feature SuperGreen energy efficiency standards and Accommodating Home standards for a barrier-free living environment. The contract for the construction of the four 8-plex buildings was awarded to NGC Builders Ltd.

“In November 2007, our government consulted with women’s organizations, women’s shelters and social housing tenants. Affordable housing for lone-parent families was identified as the greatest immediate need,” said Minister Horne.

Another project in Whitehorse funded through Canada’s Economic Action Plan is a renovation that will result in three units for adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The federal contribution to the project is $70,000. Work will be completed this fall through the Options for Independence Society.