The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence
and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, 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 the
Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister
Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced
$350,000 to support the construction of 10 new housing units in Bishop's Falls.
Funding for this project has been made available through Canada's Economic
Action Plan. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to
this overall investment of $58 million under the amended Canada-Newfoundland and
Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is taking concrete
action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for
long-term growth," said Minister MacKay. "Funding new construction projects like
these projects will not only improve the overall housing conditions, and quality
of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable for years to
come, but also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs."
"We believe sound investments in projects such as this affordable housing
development in Bishop's Falls, will provide more opportunities for seniors and
persons with disabilities to live independently within their communities," said
Minister Hedderson. "Through Newfoundland Labrador Housing, the Williams
Government, along with our federal and private sector partners, remains
committed to further investments in affordable housing options for seniors and
persons with disabilities."
"We are pleased to be a partner in this enterprise and to be able to provide
suitable affordable housing for lower-income households in the Exploits area,"
said James Joy, of Exploits 2000 Inc, Grand Falls-Windsor. "This partnership
between the federal and provincial governments and our company has also helped
create much needed employment in our area."
The project will involve the construction of 10 two-bedroom units, including
one unit for persons with disabilities on Hampton's Hill in Bishop Fall's. The
federal/provincial funding includes $315, 000 from Housing for Low-Income
Seniors as well as $35,000 for Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The
proponent will provide the remaining funding to cover the cost for the project.
The anticipated completion date for this project is October 2010.
Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $475 million, over two years, to build
new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.
Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing
social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for
housing-related infrastructure.
One of the key objectives for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the
development of affordable rental housing in the private, public and non-profit
sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with
disabilities and those who require supports to live
independently in the community.
As part of Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our
Future
, the Provincial Government is investing
$27million for housing infrastructure projects, affordable housing and increased
maintenance funding over the coming fiscal year. This work is also in keeping
with the goals of the Provincial Government's Social Housing Plan for
Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations. The plan outlines a new
long-term vision for social housing aimed at increasing rental options for
lower-income households and the supply of accessible housing, all helping to
create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is
available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.
Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment
in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and
build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan,
the Federal Government's plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit
hardest by the global recession, can be found at:
www.actionplan.gc.ca.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to
build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at
1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.
Newfoundland Labrador Housing issued a proposal call for the above-noted
project in spring 2009.
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