Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Vaughan

VAUGHAN, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 17, 2013) - The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Regional Municipality of York celebrated the official opening of 84 affordable housing rental units for low-income seniors at Mapleglen Residences. The project is supported by more than $5.8 million in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The construction of this project created up to 210 jobs in York Region.

The Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of International Cooperation and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); Steven Del Duca, Member of Provincial Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Linda Jeffrey, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Bill Fisch, York Region Chairman and CEO; and Maurizio Bevilacqua, Mayor of the City of Vaughan, made the announcement.

"The Government of Canada is helping to make affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it the most. These new units in Vaughan are helping seniors access safe and affordable housing, and build a stronger future for themselves," said Minister Fantino. "Our Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course, their personal financial security."

"Our government is committed to improving access to housing that is affordable and secure for Ontario's seniors," said MPP Del Duca. "Projects like Mapleglen provide a sense of dignity, pride of home and independence deserved by all Ontarians, especially our seniors."

"York Region's contribution of more than $9 million for Mapleglen Residences demonstrates our ongoing commitment to provide safe and affordable independent living options for our senior residents in need," said York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch. "Mapleglen Residences validates what can happen when we all successfully work together. Together we have built a community contributing to a worthy cause that will benefit seniors for generations to come."

"Mapleglen is an outstanding example of effective government partnerships delivering results for the City of Vaughan," said Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. "This new seniors' residence is a testament to our commitment to providing a quality of life and a level of comfort that our seniors deserve. Seniors are an important part of our community and the City of Vaughan is pleased to be a part of this affordable housing project, which allows our seniors to live active and independent lives."

The building overlooks Civic Park and is located at 2185, Major Mackenzie Drive. Mapleglen Residences includes 68 one-bedroom units and 16 two-bedroom units. Residents are within walking distance to shopping, public transit and the Vaughan City Hall. The joint federal and provincial funding is complemented by $9.8 million in municipal financial incentives from the Regional Municipality of York.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Ontario, this represents some 237,950 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 2003, Ontario's funding commitment of nearly $3 billion is the largest affordable housing program in the province's history. Ontario is supporting the creation of over 17,000 affordable rental housing units, making more than 263,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units, and providing rental down payment assistance to over 81,000 households in need. 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. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/housing. For more information about the Regional Municipality of York, visit www.york.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-schl.gc.ca.

For more information visit:

www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca

www.ontario.ca/housing

www.york.ca