Joint Government Funding Increases Affordable Housing in Calgary

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - March 9, 2012) - Seniors in Calgary have more affordable housing options thanks to investments of more than $3 million at Glenway Gate through the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to an overall investment of $190 million, over two years, under the amended Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement and through Canada's Economic Action Plan.

A project of Trinity Place Foundation, Glenway Gate is celebrating its grand opening. The 42-unit seniors' housing complex in Calgary has 25 affordable rental units and 17 market rental units. Twelve of these are state-of-the-art barrier-free units to accommodate residents with limited mobility.

"Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need in Alberta through these tough economic times," said Lee Richardson, Member of Parliament for Calgary 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). "By supporting this new facility, we are helping to provide affordable seniors' housing, while also creating employment and economic growth in the region."

"Our seniors helped to build this province and the communities we call home, we are committed to creating more housing that offers them affordable and comfortable places to live," said Alison Redford, Premier of Alberta. "By funding projects such as Glenway Gate we are helping to build stronger, more vibrant communities families can enjoy together."

"Glenway Gate is a model of affordable seniors' housing," said Lawrence Braul, CEO of Trinity Place Foundation. "Located in the heart of Glamorgan, Glenway Gate serves an identified need in the community. By offering a mix of affordable and market units, we create an inclusive community for the older adult population who desires to age in place."

Non-profit organizations, private businesses and municipalities were eligible to apply for funding through Alberta's Affordable Housing Request for Proposals which leveraged government funding with private-sector dollars. Successful applicants received funding to purchase or build affordable housing units, renovate existing rental units, develop secondary units in private homes or support other options as identified by the community.

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 615,000 households living in existing social housing. In Alberta, this represents some 39,100 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.

Through partnership with federal and municipal governments, community groups, the non-profit and private sectors, Alberta has made great strides to increase the supply of affordable housing across the province. Since 2003, the Government of Alberta has supported the development of 16,000 affordable housing units for homeless and lower-income Albertans through capital grant funding in 62 communities. For more information on Alberta's housing support, visit www.housing.alberta.ca.

Trinity Place Foundation of Alberta is a charitable non-profit organization established in 1974 in response to the need for subsidized housing for seniors. Trinity Place Foundation is the largest provider of self-contained seniors' housing in Calgary, offering a variety of facilities and services responding to the needs of their diverse clientele. Trinity's philosophy is based on hope for a future where appropriate housing is available for all seniors in Calgary.

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.