Affordable Housing to Benefit Fort McMurray

CALGARY, Alberta, July 17, 2007 — Fort McMurray residents struggling with high housing costs are being offered support today with the official opening of two new affordable rental projects. Prospect View and Breakwaters will provide a total of 196 units of affordable housing for both public sector employees and low-to-moderate income families and individuals.

The projects received almost $7.5 million in funding under the Canada – Alberta Affordable Housing Program (CAAHP) with additional funding from the Wood Buffalo Housing Development Corporation.

Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray – Athabasca, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; the Honourable Ray Danyluk, Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Fort McMurray Mayor Melissa Blake and representatives of the Wood Buffalo Housing Development Corporation attended today’s ceremony.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to making affordable housing available in Alberta and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Jean. “The creation of these new units will allow lower income families and individuals in Fort McMurray to live in safe, quality housing at an affordable cost and start a new page in their lives.”

These projects will assist in addressing the affordable housing needs in Fort McMurray and will provide safe and affordable housing for low-income Albertans,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These projects reflect this government’s commitment to work with our partners to increase the supply and access to affordable housing in Fort McMurray and throughout the province.”

“The availability of the CAAHP Grants and our partnerships with the public sector has greatly assisted Wood Buffalo Housing and Development Corporation in our efforts to provide affordable housing options for public sector employees and moderate income families in Fort McMurray,” said Wood Buffalo Housing Development Corporation President Bryan Lutes.

Prospect View, will provide 90 units for public sector employees and received more than $2 million in CAAHP funding. The objective of this project is to offer stability and security to residents while they seek longer term housing options and adjust to Fort McMurray’s market.

Additional funding for Prospect View was provided by the RCMP, the Public School Board, the Catholic School Board, the Regional Health Authority and the Municipality. Prospect View offers one-year tenancies to qualifying employees of these major public sector employers.

Breakwaters will provide 106 units to low and moderate income families, individuals, couples and lower-income subsidized clients. It received $5.3 million in CAAHP funding.

Since the Canada – Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement was signed, more than $98 million has been allocated towards the creation of 3,683 affordable housing units throughout the province. Federal and provincial contributions to affordable housing projects are enhanced by contributions from other partners including municipalities, local community housing authorities, non-profit organizations and private sector companies.

For further information contact: