Here’s How the Federal Government is Addressing Affordable Housing in Milton

Inhalton.com
May 24, 2019
Paige Petrovsky

The topic of affordable housing has been a hot one across Canada for quite some time now. And back in May of last year, the federal government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

However more recently, and more locally, it was noted that the federal government will be addressing affordable housing in Milton.

On May 21 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 St., project.

“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,” Vaughan said in a statement. “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.”

Due to the commitment from the NHCF, and as a result of investments from the Halton Region and Victoria Park Community Homes Inc. (VPCH), the project, by VPCH, a five-storey apartment building, will result in 24 new one-bedroom units.

According to a press release, 15 of the units will be part of the rental subsidy agreement with the Halton Region.

However, that’s not all.

“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,” reads the release.

In addition, as noted in the release, the project will have Universal Design with wider halls and common space, automatic entrance doors, wider doorways for all units, an elevator, four barrier-free units (three will be fully accessible), roll-in showers, braille signage (in communal space), and textured flooring on landings and walkways.

Along with the project in Milton, through the NHCF, the federal government will be working 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.