New Affordable Housing Projects Approved for Summerside and Charlottetown

SUMMERSIDE, Prince Edward Island, October 11, 2007 — Individuals with disabilities will have access to more affordable barrier-free housing with the construction and opening of new projects in Summerside and Charlottetown.

A development by Scotcor Construction Ltd, located on North Duke Street in Summerside, will provide five two-bedroom and six one-bedroom units. Scotcor Construction Ltd. will receive $431,500 under the Canada – P.E.I. Affordable Housing Agreement. The balance of funding will be provided by the developer and a mortgage loan.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Minister of ACOA, and Minister responsible for Prince Edward Island, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Honourable Doug Currie, Prince Edward Island Minister of Social Services and Seniors made the announcement today.

“Canada’s New Government is committed to making quality, affordable housing available in Prince Edward Island and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister MacKay. “The creation of these new units will provide people with disabilities safe, quality housing at an affordable cost which will help them to build a better and stronger future.”

Minister MacKay along with Minister Currie also announced the opening of two other affordable housing projects: Life Bridge Inc. and the Queens County Residential Services home, located in Charlottetown. The Life Bridge project received $330,000 under the Canada – PEI Affordable Housing Agreement and $346,950 in participant benefits and overhead costs through the Canada – Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement and $135,000 in federal homelessness funding. The Queens County home received $160,000 under the Affordable Housing Agreement, as well as $220,906 in federal homelessness funding.

Minister Currie thanked all parties involved for their role in the work leading up to today’s announcement including Scotcor Construction, the City of Summerside and the PEI Council of the Disabled. “Through my department, the Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to working and consulting with the community to provide and improve supports to persons with disabilities.”

The Canada – Prince Edward Island Affordable Housing Agreement involves an investment of $8.32 million in the creation of affordable housing units in Prince Edward Island. To date, 123 units have been supported by the Agreement in rural and urban communities across PEI.

The Department of Social Services and Seniors delivers services that touch the lives of nearly every Islander. Staff work with other levels of government and community-based organizations to assist persons with disabilities, children, youth and families, seniors and those in need of financial assistance and affordable housing.

For further information, please contact:

Verna Lynne Weeks
PEI Department of Social Services & Seniors
902-620-3409 — desk

Giselle Thibault
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-8320

Stephen Ramsay
Service Canada
902-566-7686

Backgrounder

Canada – P.E.I. Affordable Housing Program Agreement Summary

Objectives

To increase and sustain the supply of new affordable housing in Prince Edward Island. Housing supported by the Canada – P.E.I. Affordable Housing Agreement must be affordable for 10 years.

Program

Funding under this agreement will be used to create new, additional, affordable housing units for low to moderate income Islanders through rental, conversion and home ownership initiatives.

Administration

The program is administered by the Prince Edward Island Department of Social Services and Seniors. Prince Edward Island is responsible for the selection of affordable housing projects. Provincial priorities are housing for families, persons with disabilities and persons with special needs. The provincial government has partnered with Habitat for Humanity to deliver the home ownership component.

Financial Provisions

Maximum CMHC funding under the agreement is $4.16 million to be matched by the Province of Prince Edward Island, municipalities and others partners.

Accountability

Prince Edward Island will provide annual audit and performance reports on the use of CMHC funding. CMHC lead a national evaluation of the program in 2006 and the province was invited to participate.