Canada announces Rapid Housing Initiative funding for Ottawa

OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 13, 2023 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, accompanied by the Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier, Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre and Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, announced over $18.5 million in funding for the City of Ottawa, one of the 41 recipients of the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative's (RHI) City Stream. This investment is set to help create at least 48 new units.

This is made possible by the Government of Canada's additional investment of $1.5 billion through RHI, bringing the program's total to $4 billion to support the country's most vulnerable. This investment is also expected to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing units for Canadians in severe housing need across the country, with 25% of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.

RHI provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. The additional funding for the third round of RHI will be divided into two streams: $1 billion through the Projects Stream and $500 million towards the Cities Stream. 

"Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Ottawa. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, our government is continuing to deliver meaningful results for Canadians. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind." ?  The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

"Today's funding through phase 3 of the Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to support those who need it most by quickly providing over 48 new affordable homes in Ottawa. These new homes will have a huge impact and make a difference in the life of many Ottawa families and is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind and are safe". ? The Honourable Mona Fortier, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Ottawa-Vanier

"To end chronic homelessness we need sustained, consistent funding. We are doing just that through the Rapid Housing Initiative to help Canadians access safe, affordable and social housing that meets their needs, while also creating jobs for the local economy, here in Ottawa" ? Yasir Naqvi, Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre

"The need for affordable housing in Ottawa continues to grow. Thanks in part to this contribution from the Government of Canada, we can continue working towards our goal of supporting vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing across the city." ? Mark Sutcliffe, Mayor of the City of Ottawa

Quick facts:

• The Government of Canada's National Housing Strategy (NHS) is an ambitious, 10-year plan that will invest more than $82+ billion to give more Canadians a place to call home.
• Launched in 2020, the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), under the NHS.
• The first two rounds of the RHI exceeded expectations and are expected to create more than 10,000 units instead of the 7,500 initially planned. This includes more than 3,300 units to support women and more than 4,200 units to support Indigenous Peoples.
• The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the NHS, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees.

Related links:

• For more information on RHI3 and eligibility criteria, visit cmhc.ca.
• 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. CMHC's aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, please visit cmhc.ca or follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit: www.placetocallhome.ca
• Check out the National Housing Strategy Housing Funding Initiatives Map to see affordable housing projects that have been developed across Canada.

SOURCE Government of Canada