Governments of Canada and New Brunswick Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Richibucto

RICHIBUCTO, NEW BRUNSWICK--(Marketwired - July 28, 2014) - Three new affordable housing units for low-income seniors, non-elderly singles and persons with disabilities were officially opened in Richibucto.

"I am proud of the role our government played in helping to bring Terrasse du Rivage to fruition. Now seniors and persons with disabilities in Richibucto can enjoy affordable housing that meets their needs, and remain close to family and friends", said Robert Goguen, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice and Member of Parliament for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development)..

"Adequate, accessible and affordable housing is a significant factor in helping to enhance the quality of life of New Brunswickers and their families," said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. "Projects such as this one are a good example of how government and the community can work together to rebuild New Brunswick. Our government believes that we have a key role to play in helping people obtain affordable housing. We appreciate all the partners who made this a reality."

The six-unit complex located at 9455 Main Street in Richibucto contains three affordable housing units. Funding for the construction of those units was provided through the Canada-New Brunswick Agreement for Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014, including $120,000 from the federal government and more than $275,000 in rent supplements from the provincial government. The project was developed by Terrasse du Rivage Inc, a local non-profit organization.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 600,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents an estimated 14,250 households. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH). 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. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to renew the Investment in Affordable Housing to 2019. From April 2011 to March 2014, the IAH has already helped more than 183,600 households nationally, and more than 5,195 in New Brunswick.

These new affordable housing units are part of the New Brunswick Government's strategy to rebuild New Brunswick together and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The investments made by the provincial government are helping to build and strengthen communities in New Brunswick by providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families and seniors. For more information on affordable housing projects in New Brunswick, visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/housing.html.

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-schl.gc.ca.