“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 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.

After declining significantly at the beginning of the year, the Montréal census metropolitan area (CMA) housing market has been showing signs of picking up for the past few months. This increase in activity on the housing market is coinciding with an improvement in economic conditions, as several indicators are suggesting that economic growth will soon resume. In this environment, the housing market will be relatively stable in 2010, for both residential construction and resale activity.

Economic conditions have substantially improved since the beginning of the year, as the financial crisis is largely over. Governments’ expansionary monetary and fiscal policies allowed for the massive injection of capital that stabilized the financial markets and revitalized the economies.

In Quebec, the economy is showing signs of an imminent recovery, and GDP is expected to grow in 2010. Employment, which tends to start growing again with some lag behind the economic cycle, should pick up slowly during 2010. The number of jobs should fall by 1.3 per cent this year, which should drive up the unemployment rate to 9.5 per cent in the Montréal CMA. After having increased rapidly since the beginning of the year, the unemployment rate has been rising more slowly in the last few months, as employment has stabilized to a certain extent. Even if the worst of the job losses is now over, the labour market will remain anemic, with a small gain in jobs (+0.4 per cent) next year, which will limit income growth and housing demand. In 2010, the unemployment rate should reach 9.6 per cent.

During the period from September 2008 to September 2009, employment in the Montréal CMA declined by 1.1 per cent from the previous twelve months, as around 21,300 jobs were eliminated. The losses were concentrated in full-time jobs ( 1.3 per cent), as part-time jobs rose slightly (+0.1 per cent). As well, the job cuts particularly affected young people aged from 15 to 24 years ( 3.5 per cent) and also people aged from 25 to 44 years ( 1.3 per cent).

The financial sector has been the hardest hit by the job losses for the past year. In the midst of the crisis that shook the financial markets, the companies in this sector cut their workforces by more than 10 per cent in one year. In all, about 15,000 jobs were eliminated in this sector. The improvement of the situation on the financial markets now seems to have stemmed the hemorrhage of jobs in this sector.

A more significant sector in terms of number of jobs, trade–and more particularly retail trade–also registered considerable job losses in the last twelve months ( 7 per cent). In fact, more than 16,000 jobs were eliminated in this sector, but the situation should stabilize over the coming quarters, as economic conditions improve.

After having declined for four consecutive years, employment in the manufacturing sector seems to have stabilized in recent quarters but, with the strong Canadian dollar, the recovery in this sector remains uncertain. The slowdown of the Montréal housing market at the beginning of 2009 sharply affected employment in the construction sector, which had posted two years of solid growth. The massive investments in infrastructure will support employment in this sector in the Montréal area in 2010.

Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Rosetown – Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) along with Donna Harpauer, Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, today announced details of two new affordable housing projects that will see approximately $2.8 million invested in Saskatoon and a total of 12 homes built for low-income families, including persons living with disabilities.

The funding for one of the two projects has been made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to the $132 million overall investment under the amended Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Persons with disabilities often have difficulty finding housing that meets their specific needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $75 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes more than $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

“The Government of Canada is helping make affordable housing available in Saskatchewan and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Block. “Here in Saskatoon, this initiative will help people in our community access suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“Our government is committed to affordable housing and we are pleased to work with the federal government in bringing these projects to fruition,” said Minister Harpauer. “Finding solutions to housing needs requires the support of many, and these projects clearly demonstrates what can be accomplished when we work together to make life better for Saskatchewan citizens.”

“The City of Saskatoon looks forward to participating with the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan to help deliver much needed rental accommodation in Saskatoon,” said Mayor Donald Atchison. “More rental accommodation is needed in our community and the City of Saskatoon has created a new Rental Rebate program with the ultimate goal of seeing 1,000 new rental units constructed across the city. These additional units will assist us with our goal.”

The first project will consist of two three-bedroom semi-detached homes for a total of four units. Each unit will be wheelchair-accessible and feature wider doorways, ramps, wheel-in showers and lower counter and light-switch heights. The estimated total cost is $1.1 million, of which $601,000 is funded under the amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Agreement with a further $110,000 coming from the City of Saskatoon. A private incorporation known as DH2 will provide approximately $400,000 in land and financing for the construction of the project. Completion is expected in March 2010.

The second project, Bedford Road, will consist of two three-bedroom four-plexes for a total of eight units. Funded as a result of the two year extension of the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), the estimated total cost is $2.1 million, with $1.9 million provided through the amended Canada – Saskatoon Affordable Housing Program Agreement, and the balance coming from the City of Saskatoon. North Ridge Development Corporation will act as project contractor. Completion is expected in summer 2010.

“The Government of Canada is proud to have contributed over $250,000 in funding for this project,” said Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon – Rosetown – Biggar, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “These renovated apartments will provide quality, affordable housing for the residents of William Manor and benefit the economic and social well-being of the Saskatoon community.”

“Repairing rental properties not only helps to build strong, healthy neighbourhoods but, most importantly, improves the quality of life for tenants,” Social Services Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Donna Harpauer, said. “Our government is committed to improving housing in this province, and making life better for Saskatchewan people.”

Funding was provided by the Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (Rental RRAP), which is cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments. Rental RRAP provided approximately $337,000 for the project (approximately $253,000 from the federal government, with about $84,000 from the Province). An additional $16,000 in funding was provided by the provincial Saskatchewan Home Energy Improvement Program (SHEIP). The funding balance was provided by Enterprises Gravelbourg Ltd.

Rental RRAP offers financial assistance to rental property owners to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by low-income tenants.

The renovations, which were completed by Enterprises Gravelbourg Ltd., included heating, structural and fire safety improvements, as well as the installation of a high-efficiency boiler.

Located at 2024-22nd Street West, William Manor is a 24-unit apartment building consisting of 13 one-bedroom and 11 two-bedroom suites.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

In Saskatchewan, the amendment to the Canada – Saskatchewan Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in May 2009, brought federal housing support of $84 million, while the province is contributing a further $77 million for the combined investment of over $161 million.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in British Columbia and across Canada for those who need it the most,” said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).” These new units in New Westminster will provide people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with access to suitable, affordable housing that meets their specific needs.”

The Province is providing a subsidized mortgage of $7 million for the development. The funding will help people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness move beyond temporary shelter to more secure housing, gain greater self-reliance, and achieve appropriate employment.

Construction began in July 2009 as part of a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and Lookout Emergency Aid Society. The Government of Canada provided a $1.65-million grant through the Affordable Housing Agreement.

“Our government is working with Lookout Emergency Aid Society to provide housing and support services so men and women can break away from substance abuse and homelessness,” said Rich Coleman, Minister of Housing and Social Development. “Garfield Hotel will help people recover and become independent by providing a supportive and stable environment.”

Lookout Emergency Aid Society will manage and operate the Garfield Hotel. Residents will receive life skill training programs on cooking and nutrition, budgeting, and basic hygiene, gaining the necessary skills to move towards living independently.

“We are very grateful for the federal and provincial funding that has been committed to this project so that we can provide the housing, support and services that are necessary to end homelessness,” said Karen O’Shannacery, executive director of Lookout Emergency Aid Society. “The Garfield Hotel will be a pathway to greater independence and a better life for many.”

Last fall, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. ‘Canada’s Economic Action Plan’ builds on this, with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness is a key agenda for the Province of British Columbia. In 2009 – 10, the Province’s budget for affordable housing and shelters is $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001.

‘Breaking the Cycle of Homelessness’ is a website providing a comprehensive and detailed look at provincial programs and services to address homelessness.