New Affordable Housing Projects Open in Hamilton

HAMILTON, Ontario, August 29, 2007 — Canada’s New Government, the Government of Ontario and the City of Hamilton held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening of St. Elizabeth Home Society, an affordable housing project that provides 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’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Ward 1 Councillor Brian McHattie 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 now have more access to quality, affordable housing to meet their specific needs.”

“Access to safe and affordable shelter is crucial to seniors and others in this province,” said MPP Marsales. “That’s why the McGuinty government is proud to support the St. Elizabeth Home Society affordable housing project which will provide Hamilton seniors the opportunity to live with dignity and independence in their own community.”

The $1.1 million project, including $702,000 from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will provide 26 apartments at 307 John Street South in the City of Hamilton. The project is sponsored by St. Elizabeth Home Society, and the units will be occupied by lower-income seniors.

Federal and provincial funding was complemented by more than $312,000 in municipal financial incentives.

"The St. Elizabeth project is an excellent example of the City partnering with our federal and provincial governments and the private sector to provide affordable housing so that seniors are able to remain independent in our community," said Councillor McHattie. "Multi-sector partnerships for developments like the one we celebrate today are keys to ensuring that everyone has a home."

“As a result of the Affordable Housing Program, we were able to expand this John Street South site to accommodate more seniors in our community,” said Robert Wappel, General Counsel for St. Elizabeth Home Society. “This project speaks to what can be accomplished when community organizations and the various levels of government work together to ensure our citizens have safe and affordable places to live.” 

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.

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For more information, please visit:

http://www.mah.gov.on.ca
http://www.hamilton.ca