Hellenic Community Celebrates Construction of Affordable Housing for Seniors

HAMILTON, Ontario, August 13, 2007 — Canada’s New Government, the Government of Ontario and the City of Hamilton held a ceremony today to celebrate the construction of the Hellenic Community Senior's Residence, an affordable housing project that will provide rental units for lower-income seniors under the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

Gary Goodyear, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Judy Marsales, Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton West, on behalf of the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Mayor Fred Eisenberger attended today’s ceremony.

“Canada's New Government is committed to providing real housing solutions for seniors, so that they can continue to live in their communities and be close to family and friends,” said MP Goodyear. “Seniors in Hamilton will soon have more access to quality, affordable housing to meet their specific needs.”

“The McGuinty government is committed to helping Ontario seniors — the people who built our communities,” said MPP Marsales. “That’s why we are proud to partner with the different levels of government and community organizations to create affordable housing that will allow seniors to live with dignity and independence.”

The $4.7 million project, including $2.5 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will provide 39 apartments at 37 Strathcona Avenue North in the City of Hamilton. The project is sponsored by Hellenic Community of Hamilton and District, and the units will be occupied by lower-income seniors and people with disabilities.

Federal and provincial funding was complemented by more than $1.4 million in municipal financial incentives.

“This project demonstrates the City's commitment to partnering with the federal and provincial governments and the private sector to provide affordable housing to those citizens who need it,” said Mayor Eisenberger. “This particular development, which will provide affordable housing to lower-income seniors, would not have been possible without these partners, and is a great example of the ongoing revitalization we are seeing in our Lower City neighbourhoods."

“The Hellenic Community has saved for a long time so we may complete a community project. It is exciting to see the move-in date come closer, and we appreciate the support of our federal, provincial and City of Hamilton partners in making this possible,” said Nathan Hondronicols, President of the Hellenic Community of Hamilton and District.

In Hamilton, the Government of Canada, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has contributed $9.68 million through the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The new Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.

Media Contacts:

For more information, please visit:

www.mah.gov.on.ca
www.hamilton.ca

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