Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Rental Housing in Woodstock

WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - June 24, 2015) - The governments of Canada and Ontario celebrated the official opening of four new affordable housing projects for people with disabilities, low-income individuals and seniors in Oxford County today. Combined, these four projects received more than $2.2 million in funding from the federal and provincial governments. The construction of these new rental housing properties has supported economic growth and helped create 84 jobs in Ontario.

Dave MacKenzie, Member of Parliament for Oxford, on behalf of the Honourable Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), the Honourable Ted McMeekin, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and David Mayberry, Warden of Oxford County, made the announcement today.

"Our Government is proud to invest in these four new housing projects which provide a stable and affordable home for people with disabilities, low-income individuals and seniors in Woodstock," said MP MacKenzie. "I am glad that our investment has also improved the lives of Canadians by creating much-needed jobs."

"Our government is committed to ending homelessness," said Minister McMeekin, Municipal Affairs and Housing. "Through programs like this one, we're helping people in need to gain access to affordable housing and a stable place to live."

"Oxford County is in much need of affordable housing," said Warden Mayberry. "There are over 1,400 people waiting for social housing. The work organizations like Indwell are doing helps address a growing need for housing, while also providing supportive assistance to the residents occupying these beautiful new units. Everyone deserves a place to call home, and Oxford County is happy to see Indwell and other local organizations working in partnership with all three levels of government."

The event celebrated the official opening of four new affordable rental housing projects in Oxford County. Projects include:

• Harvey Woods Lofts, 18 Vansittart Avenue in Woodstock received $727,529 for 14 units for people with disabilities.

• 68 Young Street, in Woodstock received $560,000 for 8 units for people with disabilities.

• 35 Maria Street, in Tavistock received $784,415 for 11 units for low-income seniors.

• 405 Dundas Street, in Woodstock received $140,000 for low-income individuals.

The funding for all four projects comes as a result of the $481 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Ontario. The federal and provincial funding is complemented by more than $1.7 million in non-government contributions, including charity, non-profit and equity.

Annually, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) invests approximately $2 billion in housing. These investments improve the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people. Economic Action Plan 2013 continued this commitment with a federal investment of more than $1.25 billion over five years to extend the Investment in Affordable Housing Program to 2019. The Government of Canada will ensure that funds provided to provinces and territories support the use of apprentices, which will support training of skilled labour.

Ontario continues to build new affordable housing and repair existing units for Ontarians with housing needs. Since 2003, the province has committed more than $4 billion in funding for affordable housing, which has helped support more than 20,000 new affordable rental housing units, more than 275,000 repairs and improvements to social and affordable housing units and rental and down payment assistance to more than 90,000 households in need. Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy has set a strong foundation for a more efficient, accessible affordable housing system and now the province has launched consultations to support a renewed Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy. Participants can submit their views to the government online, by telephone or in writing by July 3, 2015.

Investing in affordable housing is part of the Ontario government's economic plan to build Ontario up. The four-part plan includes investing in people's talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario's history, creating a dynamic and innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

To find out more information:

• On affordable housing in Ontario, visit ontario.ca/housing and Ontario's Long-Term Affordable Housing Strategy
• On housing in Oxford County, visit www.oxfordcounty.ca/Find-Housing
• On Government of Canada, visit Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation or call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642.