WELLAND, ONTARIO, January 21, 2013 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the City of Welland celebrated the official opening of 25 affordable housing rental units in Welland today. The project is supported by almost $3 million in funding through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The construction of this project created up to 63 jobs in Welland.

Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines, 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 Jim Bradley, Member of Provincial Parliament for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable Bob Chiarelli, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Gary Burroughs, Regional Chair, Regional Municipality of Niagara, and Barry Sharpe, Mayor of Welland, made the announcement.

“With the opening of Churchill Residence, seniors of Welland now have access to more stable, safe and affordable homes”, said MP Dykstra. “Our Government is proud to invest in affordable housing in this community and across the country to help improve the quality of life for people in need of a hand up while also creating jobs and stimulating the economy.”

“Our seniors deserve to live in a home that is safe, stable and affordable”, said MPP Bradley. “These new affordable housing units are bringing positive change to the lives of Welland seniors. The construction of the building generated 63 jobs and stimulated economic activity in our area.”

“The development of 25 new and much-needed affordable housing units in Niagara is an example of what can be achieved by working together,” said Regional Chair Gary Burroughs. “On behalf of Regional Council, I congratulate Goodwill Industries Niagara, Niagara Regional Housing and the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program for partnering on this important project, which will provide safe, suitable and affordable housing for seniors.”

“Goodwill Industries Niagara has expanded their presence in Welland and is making our community a better place to live,” said Mayor Sharpe. “I know City Council recognizes the importance of the new affordable apartments on Churchill Avenue and the employment and training services provided in the new building. As Welland’s Mayor, I offer both my congratulations and sincere thanks to the Goodwill Niagara Board members, volunteers and staff who worked tirelessly to make this innovative project a success.”

Churchill Residence located at 1 Churchill Avenue is also the location of a new Goodwill store, a community centre, training centre and a drive-through donation drop off. The federal and provincial funding for this project is complemented by more than $215,456 in municipal financial incentives from the City of Welland.

“The Churchill Residence is Goodwill’s response to the Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy and the region’s Prosperity Initiative to strengthen communities,” said David Eke, Board Chair, Goodwill. “Goodwill is pleased to participate in the creation of safe and affordable housing for Welland’s seniors. In addition, at this location, Goodwill will provide employment training and employment opportunities for this community promoting dignity and independence for people who need it most.”

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $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 almost 238,000 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 more than $191 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Since 2003, Ontario’s funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province’s history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units; making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units; and providing rental and down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. 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 Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.

Media inquiries:

Dean D’Souza
CMHC
416-250-2760

Marian Ngo
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482

Kelly Baker
Office of Minister Chiarelli
416-585-6842

Maryellen Maclellan
Niagara Regional Housing
905-682-9201, ext.: 3938

For more information, visit: www.ontario.ca/housing

Article source: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/corp/nero/nere/2013/2013-01-21-1000.cfm

Tags: Toronto House, Toronto Housing, Toronto Realtor

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