Joint Government Funding Will Bring New Affordable Seniors' Housing to Forestburg

FORESTBURG, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Dec. 13, 2013) - The Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta are working together to build new affordable housing for seniors in Flagstaff County, Alberta. This investment supports a regional housing plan that will see 20 new units added to the Big Knife Lodge in Forestburg.

Leon Benoit, Member of Parliament for Vegreville-Wainwright, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Doug Griffiths, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Battle River-Wainwright, made the announcement today.

"The Government of Canada is helping to make affordable housing available in Alberta and across Canada for those who need it the most", said MP Benoit. "These new units in Forestburg will help seniors access safe and affordable housing, and build a stronger future for themselves. We remain 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 continues to build Alberta through investments in seniors housing to ensure they have the choice to stay close to friends and family as they age," said MLA Doug Griffiths. "We are proud of this new housing development that will provide more lodge spaces to help address regional needs in Flagstaff County."

The Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Province of Alberta, through Alberta Municipal Affairs, contributed a combined estimated total of $5.8 million through the Canada-Alberta Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014.

"We are excited that this expansion has come to fruition and look forward to enhancing the lives of our residents and clients within Flagstaff County for years to come," said Donna Buelow, Board Chair for Flagstaff Regional Housing Group.

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

Annually, the Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing. 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. The remaining funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. 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. 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 146,769 households across Canada are no longer in housing need as a result of funding provided under the IAH from April 1, 2011 to June 30, 2013.

Through partnerships with federal and municipal governments, community groups, and 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 www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/housing.cfm.

The Flagstaff Regional Housing Group is a non-profit, provincially-mandated foundation that provides safe and secure housing to low and moderate-income seniors in Flagstaff County.

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.