Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in London

LONDON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 14, 2012) - The official opening of 52 new affordable rental housing units for seniors living on low income was held today in London. The project received more than $6 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The construction of this project created up to 130 jobs in Ontario and helps to meet the housing needs of seniors and persons with disabilities in London.

Susan Truppe, Parliamentary Secretary for Status of Women and MP for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); Deb Matthews, MPP for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Kathleen Wynne, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Councillor Bud Polhill of the City of London, made the announcement.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in London to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said Parliamentary Secretary Truppe. "Today we are not only celebrating the opening of a new building, this will be a home for the seniors of our community, that will provide safe and affordable housing that meets their needs."

"Residenza Italia is a terrific addition to our community," said MPP Matthews. "By providing safe and affordable housing, we're making a positive difference in the lives of the residents."

"Today we officially recognize the results of a powerful and passionate community and government partnership. An incredible housing complex for our seniors," said Mayor Joe Fontana. "London continues to seek out new options and innovative solutions to our housing needs. We are successful when we combine the resources and efforts of all levels of government with community partners."

The 52-unit Residenza Italia project located at 1109 Hamilton Road provides 48 seniors' units and four units for people with disabilities. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by $800,000 in municipal financial incentives.

"This goal could have not been reached without the exposure and the funds raised through Festa Italiana and the help from all three levels of government," said Carla Garagozzo, President of Italian Seniors' Project. "Thanks to the indefatigable work of the Italian Seniors' Project Board of Directors and the help of many volunteers, the various sponsors and the public support, our dream of establishing Residenza Italia has become a reality."

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents some 237,750 households. 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.

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. To find out more about affordable housing in London, visit www.london.ca/housing.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.

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