Community Stakeholders Work in Partnership at London Housing Event

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 22, 2011) - The City of London, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the London Community Foundation hosted more than 100 community stakeholders at the Made in Canada Solutions – Partnerships for People event, held today in London. The event is part of National Housing Day celebrations being held across Canada — a day to recognize the importance of affordable housing in our communities.

Mayor Joe Fontana shared his support for this important initiative. "The partnerships that have made this day a reality come together because our first priority is to take care of people. Safe and affordable housing is central to a healthy community and we are continuing to bring the best ideas to the table so we may learn from each other," said Mayor Fontana.

Municipal officials, housing stakeholders, non-profit housing providers, housing developers and residents gathered to share successes along the continuum of housing programs that enhance the quality of life for London residents.

"It takes partnerships between government, industry, non-profit organizations and the private sector to advance affordable housing solutions. By working together we can continue to build and maintain safe affordable housing that makes communities like London better places to live, work and grow," said Peter Friedmann, General Manager, Ontario Region and Managing Director, Securitization, CMHC.

Throughout the forum, attendees discussed the resources and tools available to create and preserve affordable housing in London. Keynote speaker Adam Spence, founder of the Social Venture Exchange and Manager of Special Projects at Social Innovation Generation (SiG) at MaRS, shared his forward thinking views and successes with social innovation and social financing.

London Community Foundation CEO Martha Powell is especially interested in the outcome of this dialogue. "The Foundation is proud to be a supporter. With knowledge gained from our Vital Signs Report, we know two key issues for this city are to develop affordable housing and to try and close the gap between rich and poor," said Powell.

Through the Council-approved 2010 London Community Housing Strategy (LCHS) and its compendium document, the London Community Plan (LCPH) on Homelessness, the City of London continues to work towards its housing vision of a city where all members of the community have access to housing that is safe, secure and suitable to their needs and ability to pay. The LCHS and the LCPH build upon the strengths within the community that will improve the affordable housing sector in a determined effort to reduce homelessness.

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.

Through the power of giving, London Community Foundation creates a vibrant and caring community by investing strategically in innovative community-based solutions. For more information, visit www.lcf.on.ca.