Apr 11 2013
Six new affordable housing units for families and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Fredericton.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, Member of Parliament for Fredericton and Minister Responsible for New Brunswick, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Madeleine Dubé, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development, made the announcement.
"Our Government is committed to working with the Province of New Brunswick to develop and implement local solutions to housing," said Minister Ashfield. "This investment will continue to help residents of Fredericton access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs. Our Government remains 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."
"Adequate, accessible and affordable housing is a significant factor in helping to enhance the quality of life of New Brunswickers and their families," said Dubé. "Projects such as this is a good example of how governments and the community can work together to rebuild New Brunswick."
The 18-unit complex, which contains six affordable housing units for families and persons with disabilities, is located at 367 Main Street. In addition to the $240,000 in federal funding, the housing development received $526,675 in rent supplements from the provincial government for six units. The project was developed by Cedar Valley Investments Inc.
Funding for this project comes as a result of the $47 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick. Under the agreement, New Brunswick will use the funds for new construction projects and rental subsidies.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In New Brunswick, this represents some 16,300 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, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
These new affordable housing units are part of the New Brunswick Government's strategy to rebuild New Brunswick together and enhance the quality of life of its residents. The investments made by the provincial government are helping to build and strengthen communities in New Brunswick by providing quality, affordable housing options for low-income individuals, families and seniors. For more information on affordable housing projects in New Brunswick, visit www.gnb.ca/socialdevelopment.