Government of Canada to Build Safe and Affordable Housing in Windsor

WINDSOR, ON, April 23, 2019 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why, in May 2018, the Government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

Today in Windsor, Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs), on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a federal government financial commitment of over $22 million for the construction of 3100 Meadowbrook Lane.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the investments of other partners, notably the City of Windsor, the project will provide affordable homes to seniors, survivors fleeing domestic violence (12 units), individuals with developmental disabilities (4 units will house 9 individuals), as well as families and individuals.

The 10-story, 145 unit high rise building includes 76 affordable rental homes, with the remaining 69 homes available at market rental rates. Built with passive house standards, the project is expected to achieve a 55% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to other developments of a similar size.

3100 Meadowbrook Lane will be owned by the Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation (CHC), the largest housing provider in Windsor and Essex County, and the fourth largest in Ontario providing subsidized and affordable market rental housing for individuals. CHC provides 4,707 homes to over 12,000 seniors, families, children, adults and persons in need.

Quotes

"Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Windsor and in all corners of the country. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and this is why we are extremely happy to be supporting this wonderful project." ? Adam Vaughan, Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs)

"As a community, we support the mixed-income housing development approach.  This provides a more financially viable and community minded development that offers housing to people that are diverse in incomes, abilities, ages and supports. How we build, populate, and manage our housing communities makes a crucial difference for our City neighborhoods." ? Drew Dilkens, Mayor of Windsor

"Today is the first step in realizing the efforts of our hard work as we answer the call of our community to increase the supply of affordable housing. Four years ago, CHC embarked on an innovative 15-year regeneration plan. Today, with financial commitments from the Government of Canada and the City of Windsor, agencies and service providers, we are fulfilling our goals to not only increase supply but we will create strong, sustainable communities. We will build and maintain high quality real estate assets and we will partner and collaborate with agencies who can help us meet specific community demands. ? Jim Steele, Chief Executive Officer, Windsor Essex Community Housing Corporation

Quick Facts

• 3100 Meadowbrook Lane aims to achieve significant energy savings and a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the current National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2015).
• 46 units will be accessible and have features beyond Ontario Building Code and CMHC guidelines such as ceiling tracking, bed lifts and smart technology aids to allow individuals to live independently. The building also includes barrier-free common areas.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addictions, Veterans and young adults.
• Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
• Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated Links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation