Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Angus, Ontario

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January 19, 2010

Angus, Ontario – Funding of more than $3.4 million for 30 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on low income was announced today in Angus.

The Honourable Helena Guergis, Minister of State (Status of Women) and Member of Parliament for Simcoe-Grey, 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 Aileen Carroll, Member of Provincial Parliament for Barrie, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Bradley, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Cal Patterson, Warden of the County of Simcoe, and David Guergis, Mayor of Essa Township, made the announcement.

“Our government is dedicated to helping low-income seniors in Angus through these tough economic times”, said Minister Helena Guergis. “Through projects like these, our government is he providing quality, affordable housing to many residents in our community while creating jobs and stimulating our economy.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Aileen Carroll. “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”

“The County of Simcoe is committed to providing affordable housing for residents throughout Simcoe County,” stated County Warden Cal Patterson. “These new units will support seniors in Essa Township, allowing residents to remain in their communities. This project is an outstanding example of the great work that a strong partnership with other levels of government and with our municipalities leads to.”

“The Township of Essa is happy to be a partner in this project along with the Federal Government, Provincial Government and the County of Simcoe,” added Mayor David Guergis.

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 $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. 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 celebrates the funding for 30 new affordable rental units at 40 Margaret Street in Angus, Ontario.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The province has already approved more than $224 million for construction-ready projects, 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.