Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope Officially Opens

WELLAND, Ontario, August 30, 2007 — Canada’s New Government, the Government of Ontario, Niagara Region, the City of Welland and Niagara Regional Housing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening of a new affordable housing development in Welland. The Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope, named in memory of a St. Catharines psychiatrist, provides 28 apartments at 176 – 178 King Street in Welland for single people who are in need of supportive housing.

Dean Allison, Member of Parliament for Niagara West – Glanbrook, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Jim Bradley, MPP for St. Catharines, on behalf of the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Councillor Brian Baty on behalf of Niagara Regional Chair Peter Partington; and Welland Mayor Damian Goulbourne attended the ceremony.

“Canada's New Government is committed to providing housing solutions in Welland and in communities across Ontario,” said MP Allison. “The Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope will provide safe and supportive housing for those people in need, so they can begin to build a better, safer, and stronger future.”

“The Dr. Peter Grant Haven of Hope will provide a place to live independently and with dignity,” said Bradley. "The McGuinty government is committed to funding projects that help Niagara’s most vulnerable residents with their housing needs. By working with partners like Niagara Regional Housing and Gateway Residential and Community Support Services, we are investing in a brighter future for people in Welland."

The $3.1 million project, including over $851,000 from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program (AHP), is sponsored by the Gateway Residential and Community Support Services of Niagara Inc.

"This new 28 apartment complex is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when we work together,” said Mayor Goulbourne. “A special thank you to Gateway Residential & Community Support Services for their continued efforts to provide members of our community with supportive housing; being able to live independently and be an active part of our community will surely enhance the quality of life of those that will reside here.”

“At Gateway we are thrilled to officially open twenty-eight new units of safe, secure and affordable rental housing,” said Gateway Executive Director John Osczypko. “By providing permanent housing and ongoing, flexible support services on-site, our residents are able to live independently and develop as vital members of the Welland community.”

The federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by more than $340,000 in municipal financial incentives.

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.

For further information please contact:

For more information visit : 

www.mah.gov.on.ca
www.regional.niagara.on.ca
www.welland.ca