Joe Preston, Member of Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Steve Peters, Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin – Middlesex – London, along with Acting Mayor Tom Johnston, on behalf of St. Thomas Mayor Cliff Barwick made the announcement.

“Locally, this achievement gives a hand-up to individuals and families who need safe, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Preston. “Our government is investing in this project to get the economy moving, creating immediate jobs and economic stimulus for the community.”

“These new homes are changing the lives of dozen families in St. Thomas,” said MPP Peters. “By building more affordable rental units, we are ensuring people in need have a safe place to call their own.”

“There continues to be a great demand for affordable housing in our community. With the co-operation of the Federal and Provincial governments we can see these needs being met,” said Mayor Cliff Barwick. “These buildings are assets for our community, and we appreciate the investment by Walter Ostojic and Sons and Collier Homes Inc., in developing additional housing units.”

Today’s grand opening ceremonies recognized two affordable housing projects funded through the two-year extension of the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program:

* Funding of $444,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 5 Park Avenue.
* Funding of $480,000 for a six-unit affordable housing project for low-income households at 89½ Fairview Avenue.

The federal and provincial funding for both projects is complemented by more than $179,000 in municipal financial incentives.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and up to another $2 billion in loans municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Moishe Alexander presents YouTube video on St. Thomas

The announcement was made by Gary Schellenberger, Member of Parliament for Perth – Wellington, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said MP Schellenberger. “This program is opening the door for municipalities to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan will continue to create jobs and stimulate the local economy here in Minto, and in all corners of the country.”

Moishe Alexander comments that the approval for this loan for Minto to upgrade treatment systems is essential. Canadian Funding Corp is very happy to report on this. Mr. Alexander is studying the increased capacity which will aid Minto citizens.

The Town of Minto has been approved for more than $2.3 million in a low-cost loan from CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP), to upgrade its wastewater treatment systems. These funds will increase the capacity of the collection system and reduce the risk of sewer backups for residents of Minto.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through the MILP. Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“The Town of Minto greatly appreciates the funds made available through CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program,” said Mayor David Anderson. “The funds made available through this program allows the Town of Minto to better prepare for future growth and prosperity.”

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

Minto video – Moishe Alexander

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

Moishe Alexander points to Bob Dugan’s remarks. “Housing starts decreased in both the singles and the multiples segments in May,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “The decrease in housing starts in May is consistent with our forecast that housing starts for 2010 will reach 182,000 units.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 9.5 per cent to 165,200 units in May. Urban multiple starts decreased by 5.6 per cent to 92,800 units, while single urban starts decreased by 14.1 per cent to 72,400 units.

May’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased 21.8 per cent in the Prairie region, 13 per cent in Quebec, 12.9 per cent in British Columbia, and 2.7 per cent in Ontario. Urban starts increased 23.3 per cent in Atlantic Canada.

Rural starts2 were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 23,900 units in May.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

According to a CMHC report, Canadian Funding Corporation says that the Government of Canada announced an investment of $3.7 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan (CEAP), to improve housing conditions for the Piikani Nation community.

Ted Menzies, MP for Macleod and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, made the announcement along with members of the Piikani Nation community.

“Our Government recognizes that social housing on-reserve is getting older and a significant number of projects are in need of repairs and upgrading” said MP Menzies. “Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are helping alleviate some of the pressing needs of members who live in the Piikani Nation community and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs.”

Through CEAP, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC and Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC). This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the new funding initiatives under CEAP were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, both CMHC and INAC will be able to allocate the full $200 million available this year.

Of the funding announced today, CMHC will allocate more than $853,000 to retrofit 41 social housing units and INAC will allocate $2.9 million over a two-year period towards various housing initiatives, such as renovations and conversion to market based housing, for the Piikani Nation.

Additionally, other federal funding sources are being leveraged to assist the Piikani Nation in skills development for the overall maintenance of its housing program.

Through the CEAP, some $50 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Alberta to address immediate housing needs and assist the transition to market-based housing.

“The Government is actively working with First Nations towards increasing the supply of safe and affordable housing,” said the Honorable Chuck Strahl. “Not only will these investments in housing directly affect the recipients, they will also serve as an economic stimulus for many First Nations and rural areas by generating employment, developing skilled trades and fostering small businesses.”

“CEAP has been instrumental in assisting the Piikani Nation establish long-term and sustainable working relationships with professional contractors and suppliers, train and employ up to 35 Piikani Nation members, kick-start our market housing strategy and most importantly improve our living conditions,” said Piikani Nation Chief Reg Crowshoe.

Some Canadians have been unknowingly of a Canadian Mortgage as well as Housing Commission (CMHC). The CMHC is a supervision group upon condition which debt loan word to safeguard a accessibility of housing appropriation to Canadians. CMHC states which it reduces a down remuneration indispensable to buy a home to 10 percent of a squeeze price, or 5 percent for first-time home buyers.

CMHC appropriation is used at large via Canada as well as can be performed from any CMHC-approved lender. Besides upon condition which debt assistance. CMHC additionally reserve housing report to a public. Full in¬formation upon a most programs CMHC provides can be performed at:

CMHC appropriation is used at large via Canada as well as can be performed from any CMHC-approved lender. Besides upon condition which debt assistance. CMHC additionally reserve housing report to a public. Full in¬formation upon a most programs CMHC provides can be performed at:

Canadian Mortgage as well as Housing Corporation (CMGC) Suite 200, Royal Insurance Building twenty-eight Cumberland Street North Thunder Bay, Ontario P7A 4K9 Canada Tel: 807-343-2010; Fax: 807-345-0696 Mailing Address: P.O.Box 2026,Thunder Bay,Ontario P7B 5E7,Canada.

http://excitingeconomy.com/startup/canadian-mortgage-funding-assistance/

 “The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “The creation of these homes will provide low-income singles and families with access to quality, affordable housing, and help them move forward in their lives.”

The Government of Canada, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), provided $400,000 under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, which offers financial assistance to low-income homeowners for mandatory home repairs that preserve the quality of affordable housing.

“Secure and affordable housing is a fundamental part of a healthy community,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “The residents here at Jackson Avenue knew we needed affordable housing for low-income people in their community and they stepped up to provide it by partnering with various organizations. It really is a great achievement.”

The Province provided a one-time grant of close to $522,000 and 35-year mortgage financing of approximately $308,000 through Community Partnership Initiatives (CPI). Through CPI, the Province partners with municipalities, non-profit societies and other community groups to implement innovative strategies that create more affordable housing for people in need.

            The City of Vancouver provided a $200,000 land write-down and a $200,000 grant through a private donation to the City for the development.

            “We are committed to finding partnerships to help provide safe, affordable housing in our City,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “By working together to provide stable housing solutions for low-income residents, we are part of an innovative partnership that is making sure everyone has a place to live.”

The Jackson Avenue Housing Co-operative renovated the four two-storey buildings, which include 19 housekeeping/sleeping units, three two-bedroom units and one five-bedroom unit. The co-op has for the past 12 years regularly provided meals to 30 to 40 people, both residents of the co-op and from the surrounding community. The renovations to the new community kitchen have greatly improved their efforts, Moishe Alexander says.

“Our society has been working to provide affordable, safe and supportive housing, helping families to remain in this community,” said Kathy Walker, one of the founding members of the Jackson Avenue Housing Co-operative. “The opening of these four houses is a real milestone in our mission to create and operate non-profit housing for families in the Vancouver Downtown Eastside. We hope that our work and vision will challenge and encourage our government to fulfil its role to alleviate homelessness and also to improve the quality of housing that exists.”

In 2009/10, the Province’s budget for affordable housing and shelters is $469 million, more than four times as much as in 2001. A comprehensive overview of provincial housing programs and services to address homelessness can be viewed at www.bchousing.org/breakingthecycle.

            Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to $2 billion for housing-related infrastructure.

Tenacity paid off for a small group of housing co-op members, who, after 10 years of work and determination built the first housing co-op in Ontario in nearly a decade. Located in Ottawa’s western community of Kanata, Blue Heron Co-op sets new standards for sustainable building in affordable housing by incorporating energy- and water-saving features. The Co-op’s vision and support for innovation in energy efficiency helped land its architect the local Homebuilders Association’s very first award for Sustainable Housing.

The Affordable Housing Solution

Blue Heron Co-op, which is close to schools and community services, opened in September, 2006. The 83-unit project has 58 apartments and 25 townhouses for families with children and single people. Households pay housing charges that are either geared to income, 70 per cent of the average market rent, or average market rent.

The Co-op incorporates a range of sustainable building features,such as a computerized heating and cooling system, good quality windows, a well-designed energy conserving envelope, low-wattage light bulbs and motion-sensing light fixtures in common spaces. A high-efficiency gas boiler and chiller heat and cool a water loop system with in-unit heat pumps also reduces energy consumption. The shared laundry room has water- and energy-saving washers and natural gas clothes dryers. All units have water-conserving toilets and plumbing fixtures. Such as a computerized heating and cooling system, good quality windows, a well-designed energy conserving envelope, low-wattage light bulbs and motion-sensing light fixtures in common spaces. A high-efficiency gas boiler and chiller heat and cool a water loop system with in-unit heat pumps also reduces energy consumption. The shared laundry room has water- and energy-saving washers and natural gas clothes dryers. All units have water-conserving toilets and plumbing fixtures.

March provided a long-term lease on its surplus land for property to build the Co-op. Blue Heron Co-operative Homes received about $2.4 million from CMHC and the province of Ontario through the Affordable Housing Initiative. The City of Ottawa provided $3.2 million in financial incentives and a loan guarantee to assist with pre-development costs. Other local co-ops—such as McLean Co-op in southern Ottawa—are using Blue Heron Co-op’s sustainable building features as a model to develop affordable housing that meets the needs of the community.

The expanded shelter will offer 19 emergency beds for women and their children in Northumberland County. The facility was made possible with funding of $456,000 through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s (CMHC) Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP).

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Rick Norlock, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “The creation of these units will provide women and their children with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives.“

In addition, $77,685 in municipal donations and in-kind services helped to support the project.

“Congratulations to Northumberland Services for Women for having the vision and will to commence the actual structure of their new facility,” said Cobourg Mayor, Peter G. Delanty. “This will allow NSW to better serve the needs of those who desperately need our help and understanding.”

Expansions to the east, west and south wings of the facility will offer a welcoming space where clients can feel safe and comfortable, and access the NSW’s support programs and services, including emergency relocation, counseling, emergency transportation, a 24-hour crisis line, 2-hour free legal advice, educational programming, and a children’s shelter.

“We appreciate the tremendous assistance we received from all levels of government, service groups, companies and many individuals,” said NSW Board Chair, Barry Gutteridge. “Their kind contributions have helped this expansion to happen and more women and their children in crisis in Northumberland County will have a safe place to come to for emergency services.”

Marty Lapedus says that Northumberland Services for Women has been offering quality, emergency housing and support services to over 600 women and their children every year since their first shelter opened in 1985 at 355 Division Street in Cobourg.

CMHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program offers financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, as well as for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s national housing agency for over 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it most,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. “The creation of these units will provide women and their children with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives.”

Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Government of Canada provided $600,000 to the Omineca Safe Home Society under the Shelter Enhancement Program. This program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, and provides financial assistance for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

The Province, through the Housing Endowment Fund, provided $350,000 to the Omineca Safe Home Society. The fund generates investment revenue of approximately $10 million a year, which is used to fund new ideas and support innovative housing solutions that meet the diverse housing needs of British Columbians.

“Omineca’s Supportive Housing Complex will provide stable housing for women and children who are fleeing abuse and are at risk of homelessness,” said John Rustad, MLA for Prince George – Omineca. “This Housing Endowment Fund project is an excellent example of how partnerships between the community and the provincial and federal government can address multiple community needs.”

Other funding partners include the Vancouver Foundation and the Real Estate Foundation of BC, each of whom provided $75,000, and various Vanderhoof businesses and community members who together provided a total contribution of $49,000.

The Omineca Safe Home Society provided the land valued at $30,400 as well as $90,000 in fundraising, donations and pledges. The society will integrate support services, such as counselling, job search support and life skills training, to help women and children move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing.

“This new development is an essential and important resource to the women in the Vanderhoof community,” said Sylvia Byron, agency co-ordinator, Omineca Safe Home Society. “The Supportive Housing Complex will provide women and children with a safe and caring environment from which they have the opportunity to move on to the next step in their lives.”

Moishe Alexander, CEO of Canadian Funding Corp says that the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes, while making vibrant, healthy communities and cities a reality across the country. The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will contribute more than $130 million towards affordable housing in B.C.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to $2 billion for housing-related infrastructure.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said  Senator Nicole Eaton, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. ”The creation of these new units will provide women and their children with access to safe housing and the support they need to help them to start a new page in their lives.”

Through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the Government of Canada provided over $600,000 to Sandgate Women’s Shelter through SEED funding and the Shelter Enhancement Program. The SEP program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for women and their children, youth or men who are victims of family violence, and provides financial assistance for the acquisition or construction of new shelters and second-stage housing where needed.

This is Sandgate’s second shelter offering confidential 24-hour assistance to women and their children, including emergency crisis shelter, counselling, and transitional support and housing. The other location is Jackson’s Point.

“Abuse is a reality many women face silently,” said the Executive Director for Sandgate, Jehan A. Chaudhry. “The shelter in Richmond Hill will give women another choice to end abuse in their lives.”

Sandgate is a not for profit, charitable organization, that is dedicated to providing women and their children shelter, support and information so they can take steps to end violence in their lives.

The Canadian Funding Corporation notes that the CMHC has been Canada’s national housing agency for more than 60 years. CMHC is committed to helping Canadians access a wide choice of quality, affordable homes and making vibrant and sustainable communities and cities a reality across the country.

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years for housing to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to $2 billion for housing-related infrastructure.