Canada's Economic Action Plan Delivers Housing-Related Infrastructure Loans to Nova Scotia Municipalities

LIVERPOOL, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwire - Nov. 8, 2011) - The Government of Canada announced today that two municipalities have been approved for low-cost infrastructure loans as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made by Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret's, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

"Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities," said MP Keddy. "This program opened the door in the Region of Queens Municipality and in the town of Annapolis Royal to help meet the housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada's Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs and stimulate the local economy here in Nova Scotia and in all corners of the country."

The Region of Queens Municipality has been approved for an $830,000 low-cost loan from CMHC's Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP). These funds are being used to upgrade the town's solid waste system and landfill. This is a good example of how the Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program is improving community infrastructure while also creating jobs for Canadians.

"The Region of Queens is committed to providing a safe and environmentally responsible facility for disposal of residual waste," said Mayor John Leefe. "We appreciate receiving access to low-cost financing from the Federal Government's Municipal Infrastructure Loan Program. The Region of Queens Solid Waste Management Facility is a critical component of our community and we are investing in our infrastructure assets to ensure the continued viability of this facility."

The Town of Annapolis Royal has been approved for a $250,000 low-cost loan from through MILP. These funds were used to make improvements to the community's sewer and water systems. The project is improving the Town's capacity to treat wastewater and deliver potable water to its residents.

"The Town of Annapolis Royal greatly appreciates the funds made available through CMHC's Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program," said Mayor Phil Roberts. "The funds made available through this program allowed the Town to complete a much needed water and sewer upgrade on Champlain Drive and St Patrick's Lane by taking advantage of a 15 year loan at a lower rate of interest."

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $2 billion over two years in direct low-cost loans to municipalities. Municipal infrastructure loans were available to any municipality in Canada and provided a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low-cost loans could be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

Eligible projects included infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting, firehalls and residential green spaces.

CMHC has been Canada's national housing agency for more than 65 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, environmentally sustainable, affordable housing solutions, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, a plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

BACKGROUNDER

HELPING MUNICIPALITIES BUILD STRONGER COMMUNITIES

CMHC's Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program

Canada's Economic Action Plan provided $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities over two years for housing-related infrastructure projects in towns and cities across the country. The Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP) is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

These infrastructure loans were available to any municipality within Canada and provided a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. Only infrastructure projects serving new or existing residential areas were considered.

Eligible municipal infrastructure projects needed to be directly related to housing, thereby contributing to the efficient functioning of residential areas. Projects included infrastructure related to the provision of housing services such as water, wastewater and solid waste services; power generation; local transportation infrastructure within or into residential areas such as roads, bridges and tunnels; and residential sidewalks, lighting, pathways, landscaping, firehalls and residential green spaces.

There was a focus on funding projects that were construction-ready, as this was a targeted, short-term, temporary measure intended to create jobs.

These low-cost loans significantly decreased the cost of borrowing for municipalities and could be used by them to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

Loans were approved on a first-come, first-served basis, provided the proposals met eligibility requirements. To facilitate equitable access to the program, applications were encouraged from both urban and rural municipalities across Canada.

CMHC screened applications against program eligibility, readiness to proceed and Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency requirements.

For more information visit CMHC's Web site at www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.