Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Kawartha Lakes

LINDSAY, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - June 28, 2011) - The official opening of 51 new affordable rental housing units for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities was held today in Lindsay. The project received more than $6.2 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. In addition, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the County of Haliburton received more than $2.5 million over the last two years for the repair of 806 units of existing social housing.

Barry Devolin, Member of Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, 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 Rick Johnson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock, on behalf of the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Ric McGee, Mayor of Kawartha Lakes, made the announcement.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Lindsay and in Kawartha Lakes to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said MP Devolin. "These initiatives will help seniors and persons with disabilities living on low-income in our community access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs."

"These new affordable and more accessible homes are a much needed choice of accommodation for our seniors and persons with disabilities," said Rick Johnson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock.

"This affordable housing project is the result of all levels of government working together with the not-for-profit sector to better serve Canadians," said Mayor Ric McGee. "We want to thank our MP and MPP, their governments, Community Care and our Housing staff for making today a reality and providing new affordable housing opportunities in Kawartha Lakes."

The 70-unit project located at 65 Melbourne Street West, received more than $6.2 million for the construction of 51 affordable housing units, which includes $122,507 from the Renewable Energy Initiative for solar thermal panels and solar energy rooftop systems. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by $1.48 million in municipal financial incentives.

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 $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. 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.

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. Download a copy of the Government of Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. 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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