Government of Canada To Build Safe and Affordable Housing in Milton

Newswire.ca
May 22, 2019

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 Milton, Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development (Housing and Urban Affairs), 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 $3.88 million for the construction of the 154 Bronte Street project.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the investments of the Region of Halton and Victoria Park Community Homes Inc. (VPCH), this project by VPCH, a five-storey apartment building, will provide 24 new one-bedroom units.

15 out of the 24 units will be part of the rental subsidy agreement with the Region of Halton. Out of the 15 units, six units will be dedicated towards individuals on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) wait-list and nine of the units will be rent geared-to-income for households on the Halton Region social housing wait-list.

Committed to strengthening individuals, families, neighborhoods, and communities by providing stable quality affordable homes, Victoria Park Community Homes, incorporated in 1974, is one of the oldest and largest private non-profit housing corporations in the province of Ontario.

Quotes

"Through the National Housing Strategy, our Government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Milton and in all corners of the country. We believe everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and this is why we are extremely happy to be supporting this wonderful project. It will be more than just a safe and affordable place to live, it will be key to a better life for the residents who will soon call it home." -- Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"Victoria Park Community Homes is pleased to be part of the housing solution with the provision of new Bronte Street affordable units that will enhance community growth, wellness, and inclusion for households that might otherwise endure sub-standard housing or homelessness."  -- Steve Holman, President and Chairperson of Victoria Park Community Homes

Quick Facts

• The 154 Bronte Street project aims to achieve a 26% reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the current National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB 2015).
• The project will be over 60% affordable with 15 affordable units and 9 market units.
• The project will have Universal Design with wider halls and common space, automatic entrance doors, wider doorways for all units, elevator, 4 barrier-free units (3 will be fully accessible), roll-in showers, braille signage (in communal space) and textured flooring on landings and walkways.
• 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.