Nov 26 2010
Ground was broken today for 80 new affordable housing rental units for seniors living on low income in Guelph. The project received $9.6 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments.
The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Liz Sandals, Member of Provincial Parliament for Guelph, on behalf of the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Gordon Tosh, Councillor, County of Wellington attended the ceremony.
"Our Government is investing in safe affordable housing for seniors here in Guelph, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said MP Chong. "This investment, made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan, means that more senior citizens can continue living independently in the community they call home."
"Quality, affordable housing is essential to the health and well-being of our seniors," said MPP Sandals. "As part of our Open Ontario plan, today's investment of $4.8 million by the Ontario government will stimulate the economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses, but most importantly it will make a positive difference in the lives of many senior citizens right here in Guelph."
"The County of Wellington is pleased to support this affordable housing initiative. Finding suitable, affordable housing is a concern for many low-income seniors," said County of Wellington Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. "This new 80 unit project will give local seniors a safe and comfortable place to call home and will allow them to remain in their community, close to family and friends."
The 80-unit project located at 400 Edinburgh Road North in Guelph received $9.6 million from the federal and provincial governments.
The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
Source: http://www.ontario.ca