New Affordable Housing Complex Opens in Edmonton

EDMONTON, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 30, 2013) - The Governments of Canada and Alberta, along with Lifestyle Options, celebrated the official opening of the Chateau at Schonsee Square Seniors Complex today. The complex consists of 103 affordable housing suites for functionally independent seniors with 14 of those suites for seniors with disabilities.

The Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Multiculturalism) and Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Sherwood Park, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), along with Janice Sarich, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Decore, made the announcement today.

"Our Government remains committed to helping seniors in Edmonton and throughout the country," said Minister of State Uppal. "Projects like this one are providing safe, affordable housing to many residents in our community while creating jobs and stimulating our economy. 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."

"Chateau at Schonsee Square illustrates the Alberta government's commitment to provide affordable housing opportunities for low-income seniors and people with disabilities," says Janice Sarich, MLA for Edmonton-Decore. "With our partners, we have successfully opened over 100 additional rental suites in northeast Edmonton, a tremendous benefit to our community."

Twenty of the affordable housing units are studio suites, 54 are one-bedroom and 29 are two-bedroom. There are also 21 market rent suites in the complex. The project is part of a continuing care community and has a supportive living facility on the same site. It is Green Built with mixed use commercial space occupying the main floor.

"Lifestyle Options is a proud partner in this exciting development, this affordable and sustainable model is only made possible with financial assistance from the federal and provincial governments. This funding allowed us to develop much needed affordable housing benefitting seniors and the community," said Jarret Sheath, Vice-President, Lifestyle Option Retirement Communities. "This was a new and exciting opportunity for the company and project team involved as it allows us to come together to design and deliver a unique and sustainable development that aligns with the vision of Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Affordable Housing Initiative."

Funding for Chateau at Schonsee Square Seniors Complex was through a joint investment of almost $10 million by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. The funding is part of the $238 million equal investment made over 2009 to 2011, under the amended Canada-Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (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 celebrated achieving and exceeding its original goal of 11,000 units by 2012 in September. For more information on Alberta's housing support, visit http://municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/housing.cfm.

Lifestyle Options is an established provider of senior housing and care in Edmonton and surrounding communities. Their vision is to bring quality, affordable housing to senior citizens through innovative planning and design.

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.