Canadian Mortgage News

August 2008 National News Archive

West Lorne Heritage House Celebrates Official Opening

WEST LORNE, Ontario, August 27, 2008 — The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and the Municipality of West Elgin held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the official opening of West Lorne Heritage House, an affordable housing project that will provide 16 units for seniors and individuals with special needs.

Joe Preston, MP for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Steve Peters, MPP for Elgin – Middlesex – London, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and Graham Warwick, Mayor of the Municipality of West Elgin, participated in today’s ceremony.

“Prime Minister Harper and our Government are committed to making affordable housing more available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Preston. “Seniors and low-income individuals in West Lorne will now have access to quality, affordable housing, while remaining close to their families and friends in the community.”

“West Lorne Heritage House will help low-income seniors and individuals with special needs live with dignity and independence,” said MPP Peters. “I am pleased that the federal and provincial governments worked together on this project to better serve the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

The $2.5 million project, sponsored by West Lorne Heritage Homes Not For Profit Corporation, received more than $1 million from the Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program. It will provide 16 new apartments at 154 Munro Street in West Lorne.

Federal and provincial funding for the project is complemented by more than $1 million in municipal financial incentives from the Municipality of West Elgin.

"West Elgin thanks the federal and provincial governments for supporting our creative community partnership," said Mayor Warwick. "Heritage House provides affordable and supportive housing for seniors within walking distance of village amenities."

“It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we are officially opening West Lorne Heritage House,” said Harry Mezenberg, Chair of the Board of West Lorne Heritage Homes Not For Profit Corporation. “The seniors from our area will finally have a home in which they can retire and stay in their community. The three levels of government have come through in a huge way to make it possible and we truly thank them.”

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 visit: www.mah.gov.on.ca

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News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)