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| The goal: safe and stable homes for all |
| September 9, 2009 |
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| From left, Regional Chair Roger Anderson, City and Regional Councillor John Henry, Oshawa MP Colin Carrie and Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson pose with one of the many affordable housing projects that will be funded through millions of government dollars. |
By Katie Strachan The Oshawa Express They will house 160 families and those with special needs who may not otherwise be able to live in an affordable, safe community. A recent announcement of more than $11 million from the provincial and federal governments will allow the region to build four more affordable housing projects, adding to the one, which was just completed across the region. Three of these projects will be in Oshawa. The units will be used for seniors, lowincome families and people with disabilities, says Oshawa MP Dr. Colin Carrie.“We’re working hard to support Canadians though these tough economic times,” explains MP Carrie, adding these homes will be safe and stable. The projects, which range from a six-storey apartment style building, to a two-storey building, will start by the end of the month, says MP Carrie. The other two buildings will be in Ajax and Uxbridge.“The efforts of these builders…are making it possible to celebrate success on our governments affordable housing program,” says Ajax-Pickering MPP Joe Dickson who attended the recent announcement. Affordable housing options are the most important way a government can help its citizens, he adds.“For people who are struggling, this is certainly an opportunity for a stronger and better future,” says MPP Dickson. For Regional Chair Roger Anderson, seeing these projects move forward across the Durham is thrilling. “To build a stronger Canada, we need to invest in our communities,” he says, adding the buildings will be greatly appreciated. The projects will cost a total of $28.6 million, with $11.2 million coming from the Ontario and Canadian governments, explains Anderson. The buildings in Oshawa will be constructed on King Street East, Bloor Street East and Ritson Road South and will house 32, 29 and 12 units each. The 32-unit project for individuals with low incomes and those with special needs will cost $3.9 million with more than $2.2 of that stemming from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The 29-unit building, also for low-income earning individuals and those with special needs, will cost $5.1 million in total. It will receive more than $2 million under the federal and provincial joint program. |
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| Lastly, the smallest of the projects,
a 12-unit building for lowincome
earning individuals is
expected to cost $2.8 million with
$840,000 coming from the affordable
housing initiative. The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program was introduced and signed in 2005 and is compromised of a commitment of $301 million from each level of government. This money, combined with the municipal level of government, will result in an investment of $734 million in the program, resulting in housing for up to 20,000 households across the province. Last fall, the federal government committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Because of this, and Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a total of 39 affordable housing projects will begin by the end of the month, says MP Carrie. These projects will not only help families in financial distress, but will also create jobs and stimulate the local economy, adds Carrie. |
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©2008 Dowellman Publishing Corp, All Rights Reserved
©2008 Dowellman Publishing Corp, All Rights Reserved
