New 264-unit affordable housing complex for seniors in Markham gets go-ahead

Federal, provincial governments investing more than $4.2 million in Unionville seniors’ affordable housing development

Yorkregion.com
July 30, 2020
Simon Martin

A new 264-unit affordable seniors’ housing complex in Markham is getting a financial boost from federal and provincial government.

Canada and Ontario are investing over $4.2 million in the Unionville seniors’ affordable housing development to help give seniors who are at risk of homelessness in York Region the housing and support services they need.

The building in Markham will be partially funded through the joint federal and provincial social infrastructure fund and will include a seniors’ hub and community space. It will be located at 4300 Highway 7 in Markham and is expected to open in 2022.

"Home is a place of safety and refuge. Our government is dedicated to housing more Canadians, which is why we are proud to have invested in this development in Unionville. These new units are more than just safe and affordable places to live; they are key to a better life for the residents who call them home," said Adam Vaughan, parliamentary secretary to the minister of families, children and social development.

Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark said the pandemic has provided additional challenges for everyone. "This investment in Markham will help us achieve that goal. I am proud to say that in everything our government does, every program, every policy and every investment, we are putting people first."

The social infrastructure fund gives local communities the flexibility to address their local housing needs by funding new rental construction, and providing home repairs, housing allowances, rent supplements or home ownership. As part of the community housing renewal strategy, the Ontario government is investing nearly $1 billion in 2020-21, which will help sustain, repair and grow community housing and help end homelessness in Ontario

"We want all our seniors to have a happy, healthy, active and engaged life," Raymond Cho, minister for seniors and accessibility, said. "Seniors worked hard for decades, and they deserve to have a safe place to call home so they can enjoy this stage of their lives."

The social infrastructure fund is part of the federal-provincial investment in affordable housing program, which provides funding for affordable housing projects across Ontario

"This investment is critical for our community and will enhance the quality of life for many people now and well into the future," said Billy Pang, MPP for Markham-Unionville. "Together we are creating solutions and providing much-needed affordable housing for seniors right here in Markham."