Government of Canada to Build Safe and Affordable Housing in Woodstock

Newswire.ca
Feb. 12, 2019
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

WOODSTOCK, ON, Feb. 11 2019 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why, in May 2018, the Government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

Today in Woodstock, Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a federal government financial commitment of over $2.9 million for the construction of 34 units at Blossom Park.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the investments of other partners, notably the Province of Ontario, Oxford County and the Hamilton Community Foundation, this project by Indwell will provide affordable homes to at least 34 people struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues or with other disabilities. In addition, programs and services will be offered on-site to the tenants.

Quotes

"We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and this is why we are extremely happy to be supporting this wonderful project through the National Housing Strategy. Having a safe and affordable place to call home is the basic foundation that will enable the future tenants of Blossom Park to focus on their health and begin to build a better life for themselves." – Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
"This project brings permanent supported homes to those in Oxford County with complex mental health and health concerns. We're thrilled with the announcement of this funding – it represents the care and concern of Canadians for some of our most vulnerable neighbours. Working together with government, faith communities, and private and corporate donors, we can create hope and homes for all." -- Jeffrey Neven, Executive Director, Indwell

Quick Facts

• The total cost of the Blossom Park construction project is close to $7.91 million.
• With it's new building, Indwell aims to achieve energy savings of 57.9% and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 55.3% compared to the NECB in 2015.
• All units and common areas of the building will be accessible through universal design and 7 units will be fully accessible.
• All 34 units will be affordable and will have a rent representing 57% of the median market rent.
• Indwell has more than 40 years of experience in providing affordable housing in Southwestern Ontario. The appartments of their Blossom Park project will provide tenants the opportunity to create a life of their own with safety, privacy, and dignity. Common areas will allow for facilitated programming, community building, and social/recreational activities. Indwell's program model is rooted in relational supports and is designed to allow tenants to maintain stable, independent living.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addictions, Veterans and young adults.
• Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
• Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated Links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

For further information: Valérie Glazer, Press secretary, Office of the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, 613-220-1841, valerie.glazer@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca; Spencer Magee, Public Affairs, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 647-244-0040, smagee@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

Related Links
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca