"The Government of Canada is committed to making
affordable housing available in Newfoundland and Labrador and across
Canada for those who need it most," said Senator Cochrane. "These new
units in St. John�s provide seniors access to suitable, affordable
housing that meets their specific needs."
"I�m honoured to be here today to participate in this
exciting event," said Minister Taylor. "Through the commitment and
continued efforts of all levels of government and the solid partnerships
we�ve developed in the private and non-profit sectors, we will be able
to continue increasing the supply of affordable housing available to the
people of our province for many years to come."
The Eastern Gate Church made a submission for this
project to Newfoundland Labrador Housing under the Province�s 2006
proposal call for non-profit sector development and operation of
affordable rental housing to benefit low-to-moderate income households.
This development consists of 12 two-bedroom units, two of which are
fully accessible.
"Today�s announcement is good news for St. John�s,"
said Minister MacKay. "This significant investment will help to build
brighter futures for the residents of St. John�s who are in need of
suitable, affordable housing."
"I�m very happy to see this new housing development
open here today," said Bob Ridgley, MHA, St. John�s North. "It will
provide more rental options for low-income households, who may find it
difficult to find housing with the current low vacancy rates within the
area."
"This project has been exciting from start to finish,"
said Gordon Young, Pastor of Eastern Gate Church. "Many of our tenants
will realize the dream of having a safe, comfortable place to call their
own, and be able to build a stronger more secure future for themselves."
In Budget 2009, the Provincial Government allocated
$14.55 million for building, renovating, and retro-fitting social
housing infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since 2003, the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador
Affordable Housing Program Agreement has invested over $40 million in
the creation of affordable housing units in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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 another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related
infrastructure.
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