Joint Government Funding Will Add New Affordable Housing to Seniors Lodge in Camrose

CAMROSE, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 10, 2013) - The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta are working together to expand Rosealta Lodge, a seniors' facility located in Camrose, Alberta. This project will see 40 new units added to the current 65-unit facility to create more affordable housing for low-income seniors. The project received $9.6 million from the Governments of Canada and Alberta.

The Honourable Kevin Sorenson, Minister of State (Finance), on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with the Honourable Verlyn Olsen, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Wetaskiwin-Camrose, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in Camrose," said Minister Sorenson. "These new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the residents that will call them home. We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care about most: 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."

"As Albertans transition in life, it is important our government continues to take steps to ensure they have appropriate accommodation supports near their communities. Making sure rural lodges can accommodate more seniors is a high priority for the Alberta government," said Verlyn Olson, Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose. "The expanded Rosealta Lodge will welcome more seniors so they can be near their loved ones. We are also very pleased that the additional rooms will enable the neighbouring lodge to be used for other housing needs in the community."

"With this expansion, we are able to deliver a sustainable lodge program for the residents of the City and County and continue to provide a friendly and inviting culture within our lodges for years to come," said Max Lindstrand, Board Chair for Camrose and Area Lodge Authority.

This funding comes as a result of the $121 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Alberta. Alberta will use the funds under the agreement to create new and renovate existing affordable housing for households in need.

Economic Action Plan 2013 continues 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. More than 142,000 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to March 31, 2013.

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (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 Alberta, this represents an estimated 37,250 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 partnerships 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 2007, the Government of Alberta has supported the development of 12,000 affordable housing units for homeless and lower-income Albertans through capital grant funding in 62 communities. The province exceeded its original goal of 11,000 units in September 2012. For more information on Alberta's housing support, visit http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/housing.cfm.

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.