Joint Government Funding to Support New Affordable Housing for Seniors in High Level

HIGH LEVEL, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - March 27, 2015) - The Governments of Canada and Alberta are working together to build new, affordable housing for seniors in High Level. A joint investment of some $11.7 million will go toward the construction of a new, 60-unit lodge for the community.

Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Peace River, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Frank Oberle, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Peace River, on behalf of the Honourable Jeff Johnson, Minister responsible for Seniors and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater, made the funding announcement today.

Quick facts:

• The new 60-unit facility will consist of 30 lodge units and 30 self-contained apartments for seniors, which will replace the existing 29 apartment units for seniors in High Level.
  
  
• The Governments of Canada Alberta are jointly contributing $11,760,000 under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement 2014-2019. This agreement represents some $202 million over five years to help more individuals and families in housing need.
  
  
• Additional funds will be contributed by the Town of High Level.
  
  
• The existing 29 self-contained units will be re-purposed to meet alternative needs in the community.
  
  
• It is anticipated construction of the new facility will be completed in early 2018.
  
  
• The new lodge will allow seniors to remain in High Level as opposed to moving to lodges in Manning, Peace River or La Crete.
  
  

Quotes:

"Our Government is committed to working with the Province of Alberta to develop and implement local solutions to housing. These new investments are especially helping seniors in High Level and area access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs." - Chris Warkentin, MP for Peace River and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada

"We know there is a direct connection between having safe, stable housing and a seniors' overall well-being. Our commitment is to build quality accommodation options that meet a variety of needs. This investment helps ensure seniors can stay in their communities, close to family, friends and neighbours."- Frank Oberle, MLA for Peace River

Associated links:

• 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 renew the Investment in Affordable Housing 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.
  
  
• In the last four years, the Alberta government has dedicated more than $220 million towards seniors' housing across the province. This includes $144.5 million in federal-provincial funding to renew and expand 14 lodges. Renovation projects and replacement units funded by the IAH in 2012-13 include government-owned lodges in Boyle, Camrose, Canmore, Drayton Valley, Forestburg and Milk River.
  
  

Stay connected:

• Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_ca

• Follow Alberta Seniors on Twitter @YourAlberta