Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island Celebrate Official Opening of Bella Place

CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND--(Marketwire - Feb. 10, 2012) -

The following is distributed by Island Information Service at the request of the Department of Community Services and Seniors.

The Government of Canada joined the Province of Prince Edward Island today at the official opening of Bella Place on University Avenue in Charlottetown.

The Honourable Michael Duffy, Senator, 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 Prince Edward Island's Minister of Community Services and Seniors Valerie E. Docherty, made the announcement today in Charlottetown.

"Our Government is investing in affordable housing here and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most", said Senator Duffy. "The creation of these new units here in Charlottetown will provide seniors and persons with disabilities access to quality and affordable housing, while ensuring that they can stay close to their families and friends."

"I am pleased to announce the opening of 15 new housing units for Island seniors," said Minister Docherty. "Over the past year, the Government of Prince Edward Island has invested more than $7.7 million in the development of 138 new affordable seniors housing units in communities throughout the province. The creation of Bella Place demonstrates government's continued commitment to increase the number of affordable housing options for Islanders."

Bella Place, located at 315 University Avenue in Charlottetown, is supported by $581,250 in Affordable Housing Trust capital funding. The 15-unit seniors' building includes four barrier-free units.

The provincial Department of Community Services and Seniors operates housing units across the province for families, seniors and persons living with disabilities who require assistance finding affordable and appropriate homes. The Seniors' Housing program supports housing units in 35 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. The province partners with the Government of Canada to provide these enhancements to housing options on Prince Edward Island.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.