The construction of 21 new affordable housing units in Saint John was officially announced today by the Province of New Brunswick and the Government of Canada. The new units, funded under Phase III of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement, will house disabled persons, non-elderly singles and families.
Social Development Minister Mary Schryer, who is also Minister responsible for Housing, and Saint John MP Rodney Weston made the announcement today.
“We are pleased to join our partners in these projects to help increase the availability of quality homes for low-income individuals in the Saint John area,” said Minister Schryer. “The creation of more affordable housing is essential to our joint efforts to provide low-income individuals opportunities to be active within their community.”
The $1.9 million project will be built at 66 Queen St., and is being developed by South City Housing Corp. The units are scheduled to open in 2009. The project will receive funding of $630,000 under the Federal Affordable Housing Trust to offset construction costs, as well as $918,540 in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick for 21 units.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in New Brunswick and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Weston. “Through this investment, we are making an important difference in the lives of families, low-income individuals and persons with special needs in Saint John who are working toward building a stronger and better future for themselves.”
MP Weston was speaking on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
The objective of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement is to create and sustain rental housing for low- to moderate-income New Brunswick households, through new construction or rehabilitation, CFC CEO Moishe Alexander explaines.
Funding is available to private non-profits organizations, co-operatives, and community or private developers interested in developing projects for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.
This project will be built to high energy-efficiency standards, and will involve consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of affordable housing projects for low-income individuals may receive an incentive of $2,000 per apartment unit if the building is heated by low greenhouse gas emission technologies as approved by Efficiency NB.