New affordable housing units announced for area's vulnerable

Nipissing MPP Monique Smith
News Release

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Funding of $1 million for 20 new affordable housing rental units for persons with disabilities living on a low income was announced today in Nipissing.

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Honourable Monique Smith, Minister of Tourism and Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Vic Fedeli, Mayor of the City of North Bay; George Jupp, Chair of District of Nipissing Social Services Administrative Board (DNSSAB); along with Georges Kristolaitis, Executive Director of the Canadian Health Mental Association (CHMA) made the announcement.

“New housing initiatives are important to the Nipissing area and add significant support to the Province’s poverty reduction strategy,” said MPP Smith. “Ontario will continue to work with its federal and municipal partners to ensure new affordable housing units are built in our community and across the province. This housing project will help to ensure that low income individuals have a safe place to live.”

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to persons with disabilities who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said Minister Finley. “This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

"The City of North Bay recognizes and supports the need for new rental housing for our citizens. This project is another step towards addressing the critical shortage of affordable, supportive housing in our region." stated Mayor Fedeli.

“The need for supportive housing in our community has never been greater. This unique service model will ensure that people receive the assistance they need to live in safe and affordable housing,” stated Chair Jupp.

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 $75 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities. 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 celebrated funding for 20 new affordable rental units at 416 Lakeshore Drive in North Bay. This project is sponsored by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

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 across the province. 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.

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