Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Brampton

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 29, 2011) - Ground was broken today for 200 new affordable rental housing units for low-income seniors, families and persons with disabilities in Brampton. The project received $24 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. In addition, Peel Region has received more than $12.8 million over the last two years for the repair of 5,050 units of existing social housing, representing 50 projects.

Kyle Seeback, Member of Parliament for Brampton West, 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 Linda Jeffrey, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Springdale, on behalf of the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Emil Kolb, Regional Chair, Region of Peel, and Susan Fennell, Mayor, City of Brampton, made the announcement.

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most, said MP Seeback. "Funding projects like these one will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create the conditions for long-term growth."

"The construction of this 225-unit building, which includes 200 affordable housing units, will provide safe, affordable and accessible housing for our seniors, families and people with disabilities," said MPP Jeffrey. "I am so proud of our governments' commitment to our community and for the planning that everyone here has put into this housing project. I look forward to coming back to celebrate the opening."

"Our partnership with Jasinski Legacy sets a new standard in the development of affordable housing," said Peel Regional Chair Emil Kolb. "Together, we sought to create opportunities for the community by building much needed affordable, quality rental units for our seniors and families in Peel. This type of innovative approach helps make affordable housing a reality for those who need our support."

"Our family and community vision has taken a substantial step forward with the generous support of the various government stakeholders – support that will never be forgotten," said Chris Jasinski, President, Jasinski Legacy Non-Profit Residences Inc. "Our celebration of both the Polish heritage and faith will flourish while embracing the community at large through the residential experience offered by The Residences of Villa Polonia."

The 200 affordable housing units are part of the Residences of Villa Polonia, a two- building project with a total of 225 units located at 30 and 40 Polonia Avenue in Brampton. The Residences of Villa Polonia received $24 million in federal and provincial funding. The development is led by the Jasinski Legacy Non-Profit Residences Inc. in consultation and mentorship from the Region of Peel. The Residences of Villa Polonia are the residential component of the Polonia Millennium 2000 Project, a landmark development for the Polish-Canadian community that is home to the St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish and to a community cultural centre in development.

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 $75 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities and $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of existing provincially/ territorially administered social housing. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in low-cost 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 five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. As part of this commitment the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) was extended for two years. This results in a total $1.25 billion federal investment toward the creation of affordable housing since the inception of the AHI. For Ontario, this represents a joint investment of more than $907 million under the AHI and $1.1 billion under CEAP toward affordable housing by both levels of government.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2009, the provincial government has provided nearly $183 million to build new rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Ontario's overall investment of over $2.5 billion has translated into the construction and repair of more than 270,000 housing units and the provision of 35,000 rent supplements for Ontario families on fixed incomes. 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 (http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/breakingthecycle/index.aspx). Download a copy of the Government of Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy (http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/AssetFactory.aspx?did=8590). To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing.

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.

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