Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Brampton

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 26, 2015) - The governments of Canada and Ontario, and the Region of Peel, visited Norton Lake Residence today to formally announce the 200 new affordable housing rental units that have become home for local residents. The project was supported by more than $15 million in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The construction of this property has supported economic growth and helped create 500 jobs in Brampton while providing more affordable housing options for local seniors, families and persons with special needs.

Parm Gill, Member of Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development); Harinder Malhi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton-Springdale, on behalf of the Honourable Ted McMeekin, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Martin Medeiros, Regional Councillor for Wards 3 and 4, on behalf of Frank Dale, Region of Peel Chair; and Linda Jeffrey, Mayor of the City of Brampton, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is giving a hand-up to those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project here in Brampton," said MP Gill. "Norton Lake plays a vital role in the community and is more than just a safe and affordable place for seniors, families, and people with special needs to live. It is the key to a better life for those who will call it home."

"An affordable and secure home provides a stable foundation that can help people rise out of poverty," said MPP Malhi. "Investing in affordable housing can reduce costs elsewhere in the service system. Norton Lake is another example of how we are making a meaningful difference in the community by improving access to suitable and affordable housing for people in need."

"When governments work together we can accomplish great things," said Mayor Jeffrey. "Brampton is now home to Norton Lake, an integrated housing complex that is meeting the diverse and complex needs of our community."

Norton Lake Residence is located at 1155 Queen Street East. The project received more than $15 million to build 200 new rental housing units through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by more than $22.2 million in municipal financial incentives from the Region of Peel.

Located in the community of Bramalea, the 25-storey apartment building features one- to three-bedroom units, including 56 accessible units and 39 units that provide support services. Norton Lake Residence is operated by Pathway Housing and Support Services, and features space designed to be used for a variety of community programs. Each suite is designed with central air conditioning, open concept kitchen and living room, accessibility features, as well as common on-site laundry facilities, underground parking for residents, ground-level parking for visitors, a bicycle storage room, areas for socializing, and an outdoor playground area.

"Norton Lake is a great example of what we can accomplish when all levels of government, private sector partners, non-profit organizations and local neighbours work together to contribute to the well-being of our community," said Frank Dale, Region of Peel Chair. "I want to express my gratitude to everyone involved in this development and am especially grateful to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 609 for giving us the opportunity to develop this land into a home for Legion members, seniors and families in Peel."

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve 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 extend the Investment in Affordable Housing Program to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $4 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 20,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 275,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 90,000 households in need. Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy has set a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system and now the province has launched consultations to support a renewed Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. Participants can submit their views to the government online, by telephone or in writing by July 3, 2015.

Investing in affordable housing is part of the Ontario government's economic plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

To find out more information on:

- How the Government of Canada and CMHC help Canadians meet their housing needs, visit Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.

- Affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/housing and Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy

- Housing in Peel Region, visit peelregion.ca/housing