ST. CATHARINES, June 28, 2007 — Canada’s New Government, the Government of Ontario, Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines and Niagara Regional Housing held a plaque-dedication ceremony today to mark the official opening of a new supportive housing development in St. Catharines. Genesis Court, funded under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, provides 40 affordable rental units to single people and families.

Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Niagara Regional Chair Peter Partington; and St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan attended the ceremony.

“Canada’s New Government is working to ensure funding is available for important projects such as this one which addresses the need for affordable housing in communities across the country,” said MP Dykstra. “The opening of Genesis Court will help those families and individuals in St. Catharines who are working towards building a better and stronger future.”

“Genesis Court is where residents gain immediate stability and the tools to build a better future,” said Bradley. “The McGuinty government is committed to funding projects that provide safe and supportive housing to those who need it. By working with partners like Niagara Regional Housing and Bethlehem Projects of Niagara, we are investing in a brighter future for St. Catharines.”

The $4.8 million project, including $1.2 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will provide 40 apartments in St. Catharines. The Government of Canada also funded an additional $200,000 towards the purchase of the property through the National Homelessness Initiative. Sponsored by the Bethlehem Projects of Niagara, the units will be occupied by families and single people with lower incomes. 

“On behalf of Niagara Regional Council, I congratulate Bethlehem Projects on the opening of Genesis Court,” said Partington. “This community provides much needed housing for vulnerable members of our society and will be a valuable component of the revitalization of downtown St. Catharines. I am proud of the contribution the Niagara Region made to this project and commend all those who contributed to making it a reality.”

“Since its inception, Genesis Court has been an example of St. Catharines’ community at its best.  Motivated by compassion for those who cannot access adequate housing, community partners joined with all orders of government to provide a solution, said Mayor McMullan. “Genesis Court will not only improve the lives of its tenants, it will enhance the character and diversity of our downtown core.”

“I am proud to be associated with Bethlehem Projects and the help and services we offer people who are disadvantaged,” said Tom Kelcey, Chair of Bethlehem Housing Steering Committee.” The completion of Genesis Court brings great satisfaction and the combination of moderate rents and quality facilities make it unequalled in the city. A dream has become a reality for our many tenants as a result of the investment of our government and community partners.”

The federal and provincial allocation is complemented by more than $731,000 in municipal financial incentives.

The new 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 20,000 households in Ontario.

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Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2007/2007-06-28-1430.cfm

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