Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Hamilton

Posted by: Toronto Real Estate Admin / Category: News Bulletin

Canada – Ontario

HAMILTON, ON, September 14, 2012 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Hamilton celebrated today the official opening of the Good Shepherd Square, a 156-unit affordable housing rental project. The Good Shepherd Square is supported by $10.5 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster – Dundas – Flamborough – Westdale, 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 the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Robert Bratina, Mayor of the City of Hamilton; and Brother Tom Liss, President of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes, made the announcement.

“Today’s event demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together,” said MP Sweet. “Our Government is committed to supporting Canadian families and communities, but it takes the efforts of many and partnerships at all levels to get real results.”

“Improving access to safe affordable housing provides a solid foundation for securing employment, raising families and building strong communities,” said Minister Wynne. “I know this project will make a difference in Hamilton and improve the quality of life for the residents of Good Shepherd Square.”

“The Good Shepherd has distinguished itself over many years in Hamilton, and now with the opening of the Good Shepherd Square it continues to make our community stronger, with this 156-unit project that provides essential housing and support to its residents”, said Mayor Bratina. “I commend the Good Shepherd for their efforts and achievements that have benefited so many people in our community, and as a shining example of leadership, dedication, and good will.”

The 156 units located at 398 King Street West received $10.5 million through a joint investment under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by more than $7.6 million in municipal financial incentives. The Good Shepherd Square is comprised of three buildings built around a communal green space. The site offers women’s services, seniors’ supportive housing, multiple residential housing, and a wellness centre, as well as office space for Good Shepherd Centre.

“Good Shepherd Square is the culmination of what we have learned about serving the needs of the homeless and the vulnerable over the more than fifty years that we have worked in Hamilton”, said Brother Tom Liss, President of Good Shepherd Non-Profit Homes. “We have learned that if you provide a dignified, uplifting place for folks to make a home, they live a healthier, more rewarding life. Thank you to all who have supported this wonderful endeavor.”

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents some 237,750 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided nearly$183 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Ontario’s overall investment of over $2.5 billion has translated into the construction and repair of more than 270,000 housing units and the provision of 35,000 rent supplements for Ontario families on fixed incomes. The province’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy sets a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system in Ontario.

Affordable housing is a key component of Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario’s Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

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.

Media contacts:

Angelina Ritacco
CMHC
416-218-3320

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Wynne
416- 585-6842

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Alan Whittle
Good Shepherd Centre
905-528-5877, ext.: 3322

Deanna Levy
City of Hamilton
905-546-2424, ext.: 4225

For more information visit: 

www.ontario.ca/housing           
www.hamilton.ca
www.goodshepherdcentres.ca

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Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2012/2012-09-14-1000.cfm

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