Government of Canada Invests in Oshawa Affordable Housing

OSHAWA, ON, May 21, 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 Oshawa, 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 $2.15 million for the construction of the 440 Bloor Street East 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 Region of Durham, this project by Cornerstone Community Association Durham Inc., will provide 21 new affordable apartments for individuals who have been homeless or at risk of becoming homeless as well as persons with mental health or addiction issues.

For over 50 years, Cornerstone Community Association has been helping men, women and families move from homelessness to independent living. With its full-service 40-bed emergency shelter, 20-bed correctional half-way house and 56 units of affordable supportive housing along with an experienced community outreach team, it offers individualized support services, food, shelter and transitional housing throughout Durham region.

Quotes

"The National Housing Strategy has an ambitious goal of reducing chronic homelessness in Canada by at least 50%. This wonderful project in Oshawa is a concrete step in the right direction. I am proud to be part of a government that works with all partners and works collaboratively to enable all Canadians to build a better life for themselves and their communities." ? Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development.

"Cornerstone Community Association is pleased to be part of the effort to address the need of affordable housing for the most vulnerable members of our community in the Durham Region, and in helping to reduce chronic homelesness. We simply could not do this without the support and assistance of all levels of government and our community partners" ? Robert Brglez, Executive Director, Cornerstone Community Association

Quick Facts

• The 440 Bloor Street project aims to achieve a 26% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the current National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2015).
• The project will have Universal Design and five units will be fully accessible.
• 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