The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence 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 a new affordable housing development in Lewisporte.

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 have been making great strides in helping to increase the availability of affordable housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Hedderson. “This announcement of 10 new units in Lewisporte is one of dozens of similar affordable housing partnerships that have come to fruition over the past year or will in 2011, each of which will enable low-income seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently and with integrity.”

“I am proud to be part of making these new affordable homes a reality in Lewisporte,” said Clayton Gillingham, of CWG Enterprises Ltd. “This partnership between the federal and provincial governments and our company will help meet the housing needs of our seniors for years to come.”

The project will involve the construction of two three-bedroom, five two-bedroom, two one-bedroom units and one bachelor unit; including one unit for persons with disabilities. The federal/provincial funding includes $315,000 from Housing for Low-Income Seniors as well as $35,000 under Housing for Persons with Disabilities. The proponent will provide the remaining funding to cover the cost of the project. The anticipated completion date for this project is August 2011.

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-for profit sectors. Provincial priority is on rental housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and those who require supports to live independently in the community.

Work is progressing well on the Ressources habitation de l’Ouest and Maison CACI projects that will soon breathe new life into the site of Place de l’Acadie. These two housing projects will provide 223 units for low- and modest-income households in the borough of Ahuntsic – Cartierville, in Montréal.

This observation was made today, on the occasion of the site visit, by Senator Claude Carignan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation; Christine St-Pierre, Member of the National Assembly for Acadie and Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women, on behalf of Laurent Lessard, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy; and Gérald Tremblay, Mayor of Montréal, in the presence of community partners.

The construction of these units represents an investment of more than $38 million. These projects are being developed thanks to a contribution of nearly $25 million on the part of public partners. The governments of Canada and Quebec are jointly providing close to $17 million through the AccèsLogis Québec program and under the Affordable Housing Initiative Program Extension Agreement signed between Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Société d’habitation du Québec (SHQ). The City of Montréal provided more than $4.8 million, which will be partially repaid by the Montréal Metropolitan Community out of the social housing fund to which the 82 municipalities on its territory contribute, including the City of Montréal, which provides almost half of the funding.

Moreover, some $3 million in financial assistance was provided in equal shares by the Government of Quebec and the City of Montréal, under the Renovation Québec program.

“Our government is committed to giving a hand up to Quebecers who need some help in these tough economic times,” said Senator Carignan. “Through projects like these, our government is providing safe, affordable housing to many residents in our community, while creating jobs and stimulating our economy.”

“The development of these two major projects is excellent news for the people of Montréal and demonstrates the importance that our government attaches to ensuring the wellness of the citizens of Quebec. Thanks to the combined efforts of the different partners, many families and individuals will soon benefit from 223 safe, quality housing units that meet their needs, at an affordable cost, right here in the riding of Acadie,” said Minister St-Pierre.

“The Acadie project is both a victory and a rebirth — a victory for the tenants and a rebirth for a whole neighbourhood and its population. Before, Place de l’Acadie was synonymous with unhealthy, unsafe accommodations and lack of respect for people’s dignity and right to decent housing. Now, Place de l’Acadie is a victory of solidarity and mobilization,” said the Mayor of Montréal.

“The redevelopment of Place de l’Acadie arose from an initiative undertaken by several key players in Bordeaux – Cartierville, including police officers, municipal inspectors, firefighters, CLSC workers, community organizations and local politicians. It is thanks to them that more than 200 families will soon be housed in adequate dwellings and, above all, regain the dignity and pride of living in an interesting environment,” recalled Pierre Gagnier, Mayor of the borough of Ahuntsic – Cartierville.

Among the tenants of the two housing projects, 112 households will be able to benefit from the Rent Supplement program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who would otherwise have to spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. In addition, the rent supplements provided will represent, over a five-year period, more than $1.7 million in financial assistance, including $1.5 million from the SHQ and over $170,000 from the City of Montréal.

Since 2003, 11,300 community housing units have been, or are being, developed on the Island of Montréal, including 396 in the riding of Acadie, representing total investments of nearly $1.4 billion.

Thanks to the additional $210 million in funding announced in the Budget Speech delivered on March 30, 2010, the Government of Quebec has increased its target for the development of affordable rental community and private housing from 27,000 to 30,000 units. To date, more than 25,000 of these units have been delivered or are under development.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years for housing and homelessness programs. This investment extended the Affordable Housing Initiative and the renovation programs for low-income households for two more years. Canada’s Economic Action Plan also provides for an investment of more than $2 billion in new and existing social housing. For Quebec, these combined contributions mean a joint investment of more than $820 million under the Agreement concerning certain residential renovation and adaptation programs, as well as the Affordable Housing Initiative Program Extension Agreement, which includes $538 million for Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The City of Summerside has been approved for a low-cost loan of $8 million to develop an electrical generating wind farm. This includes the installation of four wind turbines, the interconnection of the electrical grid and the construction of related transmission infrastructure in order to provide the residents of Summerside with green power and more stable electricity costs.

The Town of Stratford has been approved for a low-cost loan of more than $200,000 to improve their sewer and water systems. This includes installing new sewer mains for approximately 50 properties and new water mains for approximately 22 properties along Georgetown Road.

“Our Government understands the importance of infrastructure in maintaining strong and prosperous communities,” said Minister Shea. “This program is opening the door for municipalities of all sizes to meet their housing-related infrastructure needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan is creating jobs and stimulating the economy in the town of Stratford, and right here in Summerside.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides up to $2 billion in direct low-cost loans to municipalities, over two years, for housing-related infrastructure projects through CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program (MILP). Municipal infrastructure loans are available to any municipality in Canada and will provide a new source of funds for municipalities to invest in housing-related infrastructure projects. These low-cost loans can also be used by municipalities to fund their contribution for cost-shared federal infrastructure programming.

“This low interest loan from the CMHC’s Municipal Infrastructure Lending Program allows the City to have significant savings with the borrowing of the loan,” said Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart. “Producing wind energy was made a priority by our province and City, and having the opportunity to borrow this money through Canada’s Economic Action Plan has allowed the City to decrease the cost of borrowing.”

“We are pleased to be able to obtain a loan for our Georgetown Road infrastructure project from CMHC at a rate that is significantly lower than what we can obtain from the market,” said Stratford Mayor Kevin Jenkins. “The CMHC loan, along with the Building Canada infrastructure funding and the New Deal Funding, allowed the Town to provide much-needed sewer and water services to residents of the area, along with greatly improving safety via the addition of sidewalks and bicycle lanes. This project is a key step in accomplishing our goal of linked systems of sidewalks and bicycle lanes, encouraging our residents to use alternative transportation whenever possible and stay physically active.”

Eligible projects include infrastructure related to housing services such as water, power generation and waste services, as well as local transportation infrastructure within and into residential areas, such as roads, sidewalks, lighting and green space.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable, and affordable homes — homes that will continue to create vibrant and healthy communities and cities across the country.

Posted by Moishe Alexander.

“Housing starts improved in both the singles and multiples segments in January,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “These increases are similar to the ones that occurred in December.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 4.4 per cent to 165,200 units in January. Urban multiple starts increased by 5.7 per cent to 76,300 units while single urban starts increased by 3.3 per cent to 88,900 units.

January’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 19.8 per cent in British Columbia, by 7.3 per cent in Quebec, by 2.3 per cent in Atlantic Canada, and by 1.5 per cent in the Ontario. In the Prairie region, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 4.8 per cent.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 21,100 units in January².

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

Posted by Moishe Alexander.

The announcement was made by John Cummins, Member of Parliament for Delta-Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“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 MP John Cummins. “Funding renovation and retrofit projects like this one will not only improve the 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.”

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for year two. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada being announced today are:

“We are very excited that the Mariner Cove has been granted federal funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan,” said Bob Christofoli on behalf of the Mariner Cove. ”The planned renovations will not only make our complex more energy efficient, but will also provide an adequate environment for the future of our complex.”

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.

Posted by Moishe Alexander.

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of $3.2 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to improve housing conditions in First Nation communities across New Brunswick.

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Elsipogtog First Nation.

“Our Government‘s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in the First Nation communities in New Brunswick and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said MP O’Neill-Gordon.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for this fiscal year.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, $3.2 million in federal investments will be made available to 12 First Nations communities in New Brunswick to address the immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate $2.2 million to retrofit 222 social housing units on-reserve in New Brunswick as well as $991,000 for subsidy associated with nine new housing units.  First Nation communities across the province receiving funding include: Burnt Church, Eel Ground, Eel River Bar, Elsipogtog, Fort Folly, Indian Island, Kingsclear, Madawaska Maliseet, Metepenagiag, St. Mary’s, Tobique and Woodstock.

“It is with great pride and excitement that the federal initiative stimulus package along with CMHC, are working with the Elsipogtog First Nation. By strengthening this working relationship with the current government, all parties are listening to the overwhelming basic needs of Elsipogtog people: adequate housing & shelter,” said Chief Jesse J Simon, Elsipogtog First Nation. “For far too long, my people have suffered when we work in isolation. Now comes the time to show the province of New Brunswick, other First Nations, and the rest of the country that great things can be accomplished when we set aside our political differences in the best interest of humanity. I hope that this is a first step towards overcoming immense challenges for all First Nation communities. Hand in hand, side by side, back to back; we are all much stronger now!”

Funding of more than $6 million for 42 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities was announced today in Ottawa.

Royal Galipeau, Member of Parliament for Ottawa – Orléans, 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 Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa West – Nepean; along with Larry O’Brien, Mayor of the City of Ottawa, made the announcement.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering affordable housing in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Galipeau. “Here in Ottawa, our government’s investment will create jobs and help people in our community access suitable affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“By investing in affordable housing and working together with all levels of government and the community, we are helping the most vulnerable in our community,” said Minister Watson. “Cornerstone plays a very important role in our city and the Ontario government is pleased to assist them.”

“Affordable housing is necessary in order to build a city that is healthy, sustainable and inclusive,” said Mayor O’Brien. “By assisting local agencies like Cornerstone, this new affordable and supportive housing project for women is helping the most vulnerable in our community.”

Additionally, the Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS) invested a total of $2.1 million in the project. This funding was used to purchase the land, begin demolition on the existing property and pay for other project start-up costs, such as site studies and architectural fees.

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, Canada’s 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.

The provision of safe and stable housing and related supports is an important element for addressing homelessness and helping individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency and improved quality of life. The Homelessness Partnering Strategy therefore places an emphasis on longer-term transitional and supportive housing through a housing-first approach to help people overcome homelessness.

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.

The Government of Canada announced today an investment of $3.8 million, as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, to improve housing conditions in First Nation communities across Nova Scotia.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for the Atlantic Gateway, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador; and Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland – Colchester – Musquodoboit Valley on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement along with members of the Millbrook First Nation community.

“Our Government’s Economic Action Plan is delivering support for improvements in housing conditions for members who live in First Nations communities in Nova Scotia and we are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Minister MacKay.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for this fiscal year.

Some $3.8 million in federal investments will be made available to 13 First Nations in Nova Scotia to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate $2.57 million to retrofit 229 housing units on-reserve in Nova Scotia, as well as $1.22 million for subsidy associated with 12 new housing units to be constructed in seven First Nations communities in Nova Scotia. First Nation communities across the province receiving funding include: Acadia First Nation, Annapolis Valley First Nation, Bear River First Nation, Chapel Island First Nation, Eskasoni First Nation, Glooscap First Nation, Indian Brook First Nation (Shubenacadie Band Council), Membertou First Nation, Millbrook First Nation, Paqtnkek First Nation, Pictou Landing First Nation, Wagmatcook First Nation, and Waycobah First Nation.

‘’This is wonderful news for our community,” said Chief Lawrence Paul, Millbrook First Nation. “It came at the right time and allowed us to accommodate a family with special needs, as well as address overcrowding in some units. This program has also exposed us to new building practices which will be beneficial for years to come.”

In 2009, new home starts will reach 350 new homes from 428 starts recorded in 2008, contracting by 18 per cent. Single-detached starts are forecast to decline by 20 per cent, while row homes and apartments will decrease by 14 per cent. The downward momentum in the economy has lessened new construction demand. Also, slower population growth and less spill-over demand from the resale market have contributed to the slow down in demand for new homes. However in 2010, this trend will change due to the gradually improving provincial economy and declining new home inventories. The number of starts will increase by six per cent to 370 units. Demand for affordable housing is increasing. A number of social housing projects are planned or underway to accommodate the increased demand for this type of housing.

The new home price will average 343,000 in 2009 and 355,000 in 2010. New single-detached prices will de- crease by 0.6 per cent in 2009 as the prices adjust to slower demand, consumer cautiousness and less con- struction of high-value homes. As the economy recovers in 2010, new home prices will increase by 3.5 per cent.

In the longer term, new home construction is expected to increase. Migration will be a dominant element in increasing demand for new homes. With land constraints raising prices in other areas and improved transportation and infrastructure projects making Peterborough more accessible to Toronto, it’s expected to see more in-migration to Peterborough. Aging baby boomers will increase their movement to Peterborough, seeing it as an attractive place for retirement. Furthermore, improved economic conditions and job prospects in the region in the next several years will reduce out-migration.

As home prices and mortgage carrying costs rise, the demand for the more expensive homes will be tempered. More interest will be seen for higher-density forms of housing in coming years. Even though demand for single-detached homes will slow, this type of housing will remain the product of choice for homebuyers. Single-detached homes demand in Peterborough is supported by mature migrants mainly coming from Toronto, availability of land and the price differential comparing to other centres in Ontario.

Demand for resale homes is expected to moderate by four per cent in 2009 to 2400 from 2506 recorded in 2008. In 2010, we will see the same trend. Sales will register 2300 sold homes, a decrease of four per cent from 2009. Low carrying costs, a relatively low unemployment rate and affordable prices will help to limit the decline in demand in 2009. Some purchases, initially planned for 2010, will take place in 2009 as people buy before anticipated mortgage rate increases raising sales in 2009 and lowering them in 2010.

In 2009, sellers have been hesitating about entering the housing market. As a result, new listings will decrease by 13 per cent in 2009. Moreover, the fall of new listings will outpace the decline of sales. In 2010, more new listings will flow into the market as sellers respond to rising prices.

The combination of declining new listings and improving sales by mid- 2009 meant that the sales-to-new- listings ratio, a barometer of future housing price growth and a measure of market conditions, moved up. Peterborough’s resale housing market has been balanced through much of 2009, but moved into sellers’ territory during some months. In 2010, the market is expected to be in balance for most of the year. A balanced market is characterized by price growth around the rate of inflation. Peterborough prices will increase by about four per cent in 2010, faster than in 2009. Resale prices are expected to increase by 1.7 per cent this year to $234,500 from $230,656 registered last year.