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.

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.

The Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, along with the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Manitoba Minister of Family Services and Housing, broke ground today on a new complex for seniors housing in Grunthal.

Funding in the amount of $2.7 million has been made available for the initiative 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 this investment through the amended Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. 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 Canadian seniors during these tough economic times,” said Minister Toews. “Here in Grunthal, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“It’s important for seniors to have the option to age in their community, and through programs like Supportive housing, they are able to remain closer to home even longer,” said Minister Mackintosh. “This is an important project for the community and it’s great to work with such committed partners who will make sure it’s a success.”

The project, led by Menno Home for the Aged, will have 42 housing units, including 12 supportive housing units and 30 one-bedroom assisted living units for low-to-moderate income seniors. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $4.5 million.

“This is one of the biggest projects undertaken in Grunthal,” said Albert Driedger, Board Chair for Menno Home. “There has been tremendous support from the community, individuals and churches, which is a big help to our seniors.”

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, the Government of Ontario, and the City of London today celebrated the opening 52 new affordable rental units. The project is supported by more than $3.6 million in funding under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Ed Holder Member of Parliament for London West, 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); the Honourable Deb Matthews, Member of Provincial Parliament for London North Centre and Minister of Children and Youth Services, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Anne Marie DeCicco-Best, Mayor, City of London; and Brian Loubert, Vice-President of Homes Unlimited (London) attended the event.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in London and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Ed Holder. “These new apartments provide more rental options for individuals and families in need of suitable, affordable housing. This is critical to the economic and social well-being of our London community.”

“Housing is simply essential to the stability of Ontario’s families,” MPP Matthews. “The projects we’re celebrating today will make a positive and significant difference in the lives of many.”

Today’s announcement recognized the official opening of Nelson Place located at 570 Nelson Street. The $7.6 million project will be occupied by individuals and families living on low income.

The federal and provincial allocations to the project were complemented by almost $1.3 million in municipal financial incentives.

“This opening is very important to all Londoners, as we continue to battle homelessness in our community and beyond,” said Mayor DeCicco-Best. “By partnering with other levels of government through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, we move closer to realizing a national solution to the critical need for more housing across the country.”

”Nelson Place is Homes Unlimited’s seventh housing project and will provide a new home for 52 tenants in need of affordable rental housing,” said Greg Playford, President of Homes Unlimited (London). “We are pleased that the federal and provincial governments, along the City London, continue to provide the financial support that allows us to address the need for affordable housing in our community.”

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, signed in 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

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. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2-billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce – Grey – Owen Sound, 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), and Carol Mitchell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, today announced $4.8 million to fund an affordable housing project for seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities.

The funding was made available as a result of a $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of Ontario. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Today’s announcement celebrated the opening of 37 new affordable rental units and the allocation of funds for an additional 23 units. Both phases of the project are sponsored by the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation, providing affordable housing for seniors, individuals, families and persons with disabilities in Owen Sound.

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadian seniors, individuals, families and persons living with disabilities during these tough economic times,” said MP Larry Miller. “Here in Owen Sound, this achievement gives hope to residents who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs.”

“Our government is deeply committed to developing better ways to meet the housing needs of Ontario’s vulnerable populations,” said MPP Mitchell. “Through the construction of safe, new housing, we’re helping vulnerable people — seniors, families and people with special needs — establish and maintaining the stability that many of us take for granted.”

“We have identified a need for housing of this nature and it is very gratifying that our senior levels of government have stepped up and supplied these funds to allow this project to go forward. Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation has a proven record of building and maintain projects of this nature,” said Kevin Eccles, Warden of Grey County.

“I am absolutely delighted with this project,”said Ruth Lovell Stanners, Mayor of Owen Sound and Chair of County of Grey Social Services Committee. “Owen Sound has a critical need for affordable housing and with the units just built we are finally making some headway. Thanks must go to the Owen Sound Municipal Non-Profit Housing Corporation for their role in driving this project with the federal and provincial partners.”

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, 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.

Federal funding for this initiative was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession and was matched by British Columbia through the Province’s capital infrastructure program. 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. Across Canada, the federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to the investment of $850 million for the renovation and retrofit of exiting social housing to help house seniors, single parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households, under the amended Affordable Housing Program Agreements.

The majority of the Housing Renovation Partnership funding, approximately $164 million, will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, approximately $13 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, 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), and Premier Gordon Campbell made the announcement today at Steeves Manor, a 196-unit housing development in Vancouver, the first of the 81 social housing developments to have renovations funded under this initiative.

“These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” said Minister Day. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.

“Working in partnership with the Government of Canada, we are revitalizing social housing sites in need of repair and renovation in communities throughout the province, extending the life of these homes for British Columbians for years to come,” said Premier Campbell. “The Housing Renovation Partnership will also build on additional investments the province has announced to-date to stimulate the B.C. economy, which in total will create over 27,000 jobs in communities across the province.”

In B.C., this Housing Renovation Partnership is part of an overall $14 billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province.

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 Honourable Vic Toews, President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Provencher, 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), the Honourable Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Family Services and Housing, and Mike Pagtakhan, City of Winnipeg Councillor for the Point Douglas Ward, made the announcement today in Winnipeg.

“The Government of Canada is committed to helping Canadians in Winnipeg and across Canada access quality, affordable housing,” said Minister Toews. “Through this investment, CentreVenture will be able to offer low-income families and individuals more rental housing options and an opportunity to start a new chapter in their lives.”

All three levels of government are supporting the construction of a new $3.7 million, 25 unit apartment complex located in downtown Winnipeg. Construction of CentreVillage is underway and the building will be ready for tenants in the summer of 2010.

“Manitoba has a long history of welcoming and supporting new Canadians and there’s nothing more important than having a safe, affordable place to live,” said Minister Mackintosh. “Today’s announcement builds on other recent commitments and demonstrates that when we work together with the community we can really make a difference.”

Today’s announcement includes more than $1.85 million in funding through the Canada – Manitoba Affordable Housing Program, Manitoba Housing’s HOMEWorks program, and the City of Winnipeg.

Representing Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz, Councillor Mike Pagtakhan said, “Winnipeg is, above all, a city where people genuinely care about their neighbourhoods, and each other. The City is proud to be a partner and investor in CentreVillage, because the housing opportunities it will provide to residents of the Central Park area are in our community’s best tradition of neighbours helping neighbours.”

“CentreVenture Development Corporation is pleased to see CentreVillage housing become a reality. We are working with our community based partners, Knox Centre, to increase the variety of housing options in the Central Park neighbourhood.” said Ross McGowan, CEO of CentreVenture Development Corporation “as the City of Winnipeg’s downtown development agency we appreciate the value that strong and diverse neighbourhoods contribute to our downtown.”

In Winnipeg, these investments are being delivered through the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI), a partnership between the Government of Canada, the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg. The partners work together to deliver funding provided through each level of government for affordable housing, to address homelessness, and to assist in the revitalization of Winnipeg’s older neighbourhoods by providing rehabilitation and repair loans.

These investments are part of the Government of Canada’s $1.9-billion commitment for housing and homelessness for low-income Canadians. As part of this investment the Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI), the renovation programs for low-income households and Homelessness Partnering Strategy were renewed for two years to March 31, 2011. In Manitoba, these initiatives are jointly funded by the federal and provincial governments through contributions totaling over $34 million for the next two years.

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.