Celebrating new affordable rental housing in Niagara region

Author: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin

ST. CATHARINES, ON, June 27, 2017 — An official groundbreaking was held today for a new affordable housing complex coming to 527 Carlton Street in St. Catharines.

The St. Catharines development received more than $11 million in funding from the Government of Canada and Government of Ontario through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement. This Niagara Regional Housing facility will help residents currently on the region’s affordable housing waiting list.

Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, along with Nathalie Des Rosiers, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, on behalf of Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing and the Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, were on hand for the announcement. Alan Caslin, Chair of Niagara Regional Council, and Walter Sendzik, Mayor of St. Catharines, also spoke at the event.

Once completed, the development at 527 Carlton Street will consist of 64 one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units and 13 accessible units, which will be a combination of one-and two-bedroom units. The two-bedroom accessible units are designed to accommodate a caregiver or medical equipment.

Today’s event also celebrated other affordable housing developments in Niagara Region:

  • Birchwood Place, located at 235 Fitch Street in Welland, which received more than $6.2 million in funding for 67 units of affordable housing.
  • Gateway Residential Community Support Services at 4750 Huron Street in Niagara Falls, which received $730,000 in funding for nine units of affordable housing for persons with mental health challenges.

Quick Facts:

St. Catharines has one of the highest rates of affordable housing need in Niagara, with a waiting period of approximately 12 years for a one-bedroom unit, according to A Housing Needs Analysis conducted by Niagara Region.

There are more than 5,000 households on Niagara’s Centralized Waiting List for affordable housing, including all ages and demographics, as of February 2017.

Quotes:

“The peace of mind that comes with having a secure and stable home is invaluable. St. Catharines and Niagara has long been plagued with a severe lack of affordable and accessible housing. Today’s announcement is proof positive of our government’s commitment towards investments in affordable housing, made in Budgets 2016 and 2017. Access to affordable housing will help grow the middle glass and keep residents in Niagara, continuing to bolster our local economy.”
– Chris Bittle, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

“Creating new affordable housing options in communities across the province will help residents moving into these new state-of-the-art facilities focus on other aspects of their lives. When people are able to do that, amazing things can happen for both them and their families.”
– Nathalie Des Rosiers, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Housing

“Investing in affordable housing for Niagara residents and seniors is the responsible thing to do. Regional Council has made projects such as 527 Carlton Street a priority and we are pleased to partner with the Government of Ontario, CMHC, and community partners like the Carlton United Church to see them completed. Having a safe and stable housing situation will help our residents thrive through greater opportunities and ensure that everyone has a place to call home.”
– Alan Caslin, Niagara Regional Chair

“Today we’re breaking ground on the first new Niagara Regional Housing build in St. Catharines in 40 years. As the price of housing continues to climb and the need for decent, affordable housing continues to grow, this new building will be the start of a new beginning for 85 families to have a safe, affordable and beautiful place to call home.”
– Walter Sendzik, Mayor, St. Catharines

“Niagara Regional Housing is committed to providing quality, affordable housing in the Niagara Region – in 2014, we were able to build a new building on Fitch Street in Welland. Now, building on that success, Niagara Regional Housing will add 85 units of affordable housing stock here on Carlton Street in St. Catharines, addressing an area of the Niagara Region with the highest need. This building is sure to be a testament to what can be accomplished when everyone works to a common goal.”
– Henry D’Angela, Board Chair of the Niagara Regional Housing

Associated links:

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC’s operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642.
  • Investing in affordable housing programs is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $5 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 22,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 335,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 93,000 households in need. These investments complement the commitments made through Ontario’s recent Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy update, and support the province’s goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2025. For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing.

Stay connected:

Media contacts:

Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
emilie.gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Wilbur McLean
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3331
wmclean@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Myriam Denis
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of Minister Ballard
416-585-6333
myriam.denis@ontario.ca

Conrad Spezowka
Communications
Ministry of Housing
416-585-7066
conrad.spezowka@ontario.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2017/2017-06-27-1315a.cfm

Governments of Canada and Ontario celebrate affordable housing in Waterloo Region

Author: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin

KITCHENER, ON, June 26, 2017 — The governments of Canada and Ontario announced the funding of affordable housing units across Waterloo Region with a ground-breaking event at 108 Sydney Street South in Kitchener. When completed, the KW Habilitation development will provide 22 units of affordable housing for people living with developmental disabilities.

Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre, and Daiene Vernile, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, made the announcement today. Ken Seiling, Chair for the Region of Waterloo, also participated in the event.

The KW Habilitation development received more than $2.6 million in combined federal and provincial funding through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement. It integrates KW Habilitation’s on-site programs with affordable housing for their clients, allowing residents to live independently while accessing available services.

The announcement also celebrated five other initiatives, which will provide an additional 71 units of affordable housing in Waterloo Region when completed, bringing the total federal and provincial contributions for all six housing developments to more than $8.4 million.

Quick facts:

The following developments were also celebrated today:

  • Fourteen units of affordable housing with MennoHomes at 7 Memorial Avenue in Elmira, which received more than $1.7 million.
  • Six units of affordable housing for people with developmental disabilities with Elmira Developmental Support Corporation at 75 Maguire Lane in Elmira, which received $775,423.
  • Nine units of affordable housing with Supportive Housing of Waterloo (SHOW) at 402 Erb Street West in Waterloo, which received more than $1.1 million.
  • Four units of affordable housing with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of Kitchener-Waterloo at 155 Lincoln Road in Waterloo, which received over $450,000 in funding.
  • 16 units of affordable housing for persons with disabilities at 430 Connaught Street in Kitchener, which received over $1.8 million in funding.

Quotes:

“This investment will continue to help Canadians access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs, while also creating jobs for the local economy. Our government remains committed to working with our partners to develop and implement solutions to housing both in Ontario and across Canada.”
— Raj Saini, Member of Parliament for Kitchener Centre

“Investing in these facilities builds on our government’s long-term commitment to stable funding that will transform our housing system. Providing more affordable housing will strengthen our community, as people receive the supports they need to thrive.”
— Daiene Vernile, Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener-Centre

“Since 2001, over 2,500 affordable housing units have been created under the Region’s Affordable Housing Strategy through partnerships we forged with local municipalities, community housing proponents, both private and non-profit and the provincial and federal governments. These six housing providers are examples of the continued commitment to creating much needed affordable housing across our growing community.”
— Ken Seiling, Chair, Region of Waterloo

“Affordable Housing is a great need for many in our city and Region. KW Habilitation is very excited to be building accessible units that will create an intentional community of neighbours helping neighbours.”
— Ann Bilodeau, Executive Director, KW Habilitation

Associated links:

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC’s operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642.
  • Investing in affordable housing programs is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $5 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 22,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 335,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 93,000 households in need. These investments complement the commitments made through Ontario’s recent Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy update, and support the province’s goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2025. For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing.

Stay connected:

Follow CMHC on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Follow Ontario’s Ministry of Housing on Twitter.

Media contacts:

Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
emilie.gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Wilbur McLean
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3331
wmclean@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Myriam Denis
Press Secretary and Communications Advisor
Office of Minister Ballard
416-585-6333
myriam.denis@ontario.ca

Conrad Spezowka
Communications
Ministry of Housing
416-585-7066
conrad.spezowka@ontario.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2017/2017-06-26-1315.cfm

TREB Hosts Economic Summit, Releases New Consumer Survey Data

Author: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: Toronto Realtor

TORONTO, June 23, 2017 — Today, the Toronto Real
Estate Board will host the second of two Regional Economic Summits in York
Region (Durham Region hosted on July 15) to discuss a market update as well as a
TREB-commissioned consumer survey conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs. This
update comes on the heels of the Ontario Fair Housing Plan announcement and the
change in market conditions relative to the first quarter.

TREB will be releasing a forecast update at an early
morning media briefing event, at the Park Hyatt in Toronto on July 6
, to
report on new survey data, MLS® Sales through June, and speculation on the
impact of historically low interest rates.

Highlights of the new Ipsos consumer research, conducted
from May 23-29, on home buyers and home sellers includes:

Likely Home Sellers

  • 30 per cent of GTA households are very likely (12 per cent) or somewhat
    likely (18 per cent) to list their house over the next year.
  • 15 per cent of households said that the Fair Housing Plan was the
    primary reason why they would list their home for sale over the next year.
  • Close to 80 per cent of households who said they were likely to list
    their home said they would be purchasing another home. 

“The Ipsos survey results suggest that many households plan
to list their home for sale over the next year. We have certainly reported an increase
in listings. However, it is
interesting to note that almost 80 per cent of these households will be
purchasing another home. This means
that these households are not exiting the home ownership market, but, instead,
changing the type or location of home they will own,” said Jason Mercer, TREB’s
Director of Market Analysis.

Likely Home Buyers

  • 35 per cent of households surveyed indicated that they were very likely
    (13 per cent) or likely (22 per cent) to purchase a home over the next
    year.  Taking into account the margin of error, buying intentions were
    similar to what was reported from the Ipsos survey conducted for TREB in the
    fall of 2016.
  • There was a marked decline in the number of intending first-time buyers
    compared to the fall.  In the May survey, 40 per cent of likely buyers
    indicated they would be first-time buyers, which was down from 53 per cent in
    Ipsos’ fall survey.
  • 10 per cent of households who said they would NOT purchase a home over
    the next year said the Fair Housing Plan was the key factor in this decision
    (one per cent) or a contributing factor (nine per cent).

“It makes sense that some first-time buyers have decided to
at least temporarily put their decision to purchase a home on hold. First-time buyers are more flexible, and
can take a wait and see approach. They could also re-enter the market quickly once they make the decision
to purchase,” continued Mercer.

“While we have certainly experienced a dip in sales and an
increase in listings over the past two months, the Ipsos survey results suggest
that there are still many consumers considering the purchase of a home over the
next year. This could reflect the
fact that new policies, like those contained in the Ontario Fair Housing Plan,
can have an initial psychological impact before long-term impacts become clear,”
said TREB President Larry Cerqua.

On July 6, 2017, TREB will be releasing a market outlook at
a media briefing event to report on new survey data, MLS® Sales through June,
and speculation on the impact of historically low interest rates.

Article source: http://www.trebhome.com/market_news/release_market_updates/news2017/nr_economic_summit_0617.htm

New affordable rental homes for Indigenous peoples in Hamilton

Author: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin

HAMILTON, ON, June 21, 2017 — The federal and provincial governments are proud to celebrate affordable rental housing for Indigenous residents in Hamilton as part of National Aboriginal Day.

The celebration of a six-unit apartment complex at 274 Main Street in Hamilton was held today on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit and the Haudenosaunee. The facility provides affordable and accessible housing for Indigenous individuals and families.

Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing received $660,000 from the Canada-Ontario Investment in Affordable Housing agreement to support the development.

Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale, on behalf of the Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing and the Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy made the announcement along with a representative from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Quick facts:

  • Sacajawea Non-Profit Housing builds and maintains housing for low- to moderate-income Indigenous families.
  • With their on-staff expertise, Sacajawea also provides referrals to services for Indigenous clients, helping them access the supports they need.
  • After being damaged by a fire, the facility at 274 Main Street was restored and redeveloped into affordable housing.
  • Seventy-eight per cent of First Nations adults living in Hamilton earned less than $20,000 per year according to the 2014 study, Unmasking Health Determinants and Health Outcomes for Urban First Nations Using Respondent Driven Sampling.

Quotes:

“Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Ontario and in all corners of the country. We are committed to making communities stronger through projects like these.”
— Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“Ontario is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous organizations and the federal government to support projects like this in our community that address the unique housing challenges and needs of First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples.”
— Ted McMeekin, Member of Provincial Parliament for Ancaster—Dundas—Flamborough—Westdale

Associated links:

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC’s operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642.
  • Investing in affordable housing programs is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $5 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 22,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 335,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 93,000 households in need. These investments complement the commitments made through Ontario’s recent Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy update, and support the province’s goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2025. For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing.

Stay connected:

Media contacts:

Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
emilie.gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Wilbur McLean
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3331
wmclean@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Myriam Denis
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Ballard
416-585-6333
myriam.denis@ontario.ca

Conrad Spezowka
Communications
Ministry of Housing
416-585-7066
conrad.spezowka@ontario.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2017/2017-06-21-0915.cfm

Governments of Canada and Ontario celebrate affordable housing in Brantford and Simcoe

Author: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin

BRANTFORD, ON, June 19, 2017 — The governments of Canada and Ontario held a groundbreaking ceremony for new affordable housing for seniors in Brantford today.

The Honourable Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy, made the announcement today with a representative from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Chris Friel, Mayor of the City of Brantford, also participated in the announcement.

When completed, the new component of the John Noble Home multi-facility site will add 45units of affordable housing for seniors in Brantford. The development received more than $7.2 million in combined federal and provincial funding through the Investment in Affordable Housing agreement.

Quick facts:

A number of other affordable housing developments in Brantford and Simcoe were also celebrated today including:

  • Sixteen units of affordable housing for Indigenous individuals and families in the Hotinohsioni facility at 144 Henry Street in Brantford, which received over $2.3 million
  • Four units of affordable housing in Brantford, including an accessible unit and a unit for survivors of domestic violence, which received $584,096
  • Six units of affordable housing at Kent Park Community Homes, at 364 Queen Street North in Simcoe, which received $560,000
  • Fourteen units of affordable housing at Sunfield Homes at 410 Queen Street South in Simcoe, which received nearly $1.3 million.

Quotes:

“Through investments in affordable housing, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Ontario and in all corners of the country. We are committed to making communities stronger through projects like these.”
— Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

“We are investing in people in communities across Ontario and prioritizing the things that matter most to them. Few things matter more to someone than being able to keep a roof over their head. As a government, it’s our job to ensure everyone has an affordable place to call home.”
— Chris Ballard, Ontario’s Minister of Housing and Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy

“While the City of Brantford’s economy and housing market are strong, we know that there are a number of members of our community who require significant support. These new housing developments will help provide more options for affordable, stable and safe housing in Brantford. Along with our federal and provincial partners, we are committed to providing more opportunities to those who need it most to build a better life for themselves and their families.”
— City of Brantford Mayor Chris Friel

“We are very proud of our housing developments that provide desperately needed affordable housing in the City of Brantford and the County of Brant. We are not just building affordable housing, we are helping build stronger and healthier communities through affordable housing that is environmentally responsible, financially sustainable and neighbourhood beautifying.”
— Josephine Atanas, General Manager, Public Health, Safety and Social Services.

Associated links:

  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been helping Canadians meet their housing needs for more than 70 years. As Canada’s authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of CMHC’s operations. For more information, please call 1-800-668-2642.
  • Investing in affordable housing programs is part of Ontario’s plan to create jobs, grow the economy and help people in their everyday lives. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $5 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 22,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 335,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 93,000 households in need. These investments complement the commitments made through Ontario’s recent Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy update, and support the province’s goal of ending chronic homelessness by 2025. For more information on affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing.

Stay connected:

Media contacts:

Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
emilie.gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Wilbur McLean
Public Affairs
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
416-218-3331
wmclean@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Myriam Denis
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Ballard
416-585-6333
myriam.denis@ontario.ca

Conrad Spezowka
Communications
Ministry of Housing
416-585-7066
conrad.spezowka@ontario.ca

Article source: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2017/2017-06-19-1015.cfm