Government of Canada to Build Safe and Affordable Housing in Barrie

BARRIE, ON, April 24, 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 Barrie, the Honorable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a $2.85 million financial commitment from the federal government for the Allanview Place project.

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 Province of Ontario and the City of Barrie, this project by the Barrie Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation will provide safe and affordable housing for 23 low-middle income families and another 11 units geared toward seniors.

The project, an existing 3-storey building, was destroyed by a fire in April 2018. NHCF funding will go towards the construction of a 4^th storey with 11 additional units for seniors and to upgrade the building's heating system.

Quotes

"Everyone deserves to have a safe place to call home, which is why we're proud to be supporting this project through the National Housing Strategy. We want to help the families who lived here rebuild what was lost. I am proud to be part of a government that works collaboratively with our partners to help seniors, and all Canadians, thrive and prosper in their communities." ? Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

"This government continues to show they are committed to investing in communities and addressing local issues.  Affordable housing is one of the most pressing issues facing Barrie right now, and the tragic fire at 100 Little last year was a major setback for us. This funding is exactly what is needed to help us rebuild and expand affordable housing in our community. We're grateful for the federal government's collaborative approach to improving life for our citizens in a meaningful way." ? Jeff Lehman, Mayor of Barrie

Quick Facts

• The projected construction and repair cost of the Allanview Place project is over $3.5 million.
• The project upon completion will have 34 units in total, with the existing 23 units geared towards low-middle income families, and an additional 11 units geared towards seniors.
• 27 units will be affordable and will have rent representing less than 71% of the median market rent.
• 10 of the 11 new units for seniors will be fully accessible.
• The new building is expected to achieve energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 35.9% over NECB 2015.
• Incorporated in 1985, a not-for-profit organization, The Barrie Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation ("Barrie Housing") is one of the largest affordable housing providers in the city of Barrie. Barrie Housing owns and operates 953 housing units across 14 locations with around 3000 tenants, managed by an experienced management team comprising of Mayor, City Councillors, tenants and community members and a dedicated team with experience ranging from 2 to 20 years.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, 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 survivors 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