SAINT JOHN, New Brunswick, January 12, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Province of New Brunswick officially opened a new affordable housing project for low income families in Saint John today. Funded under the Phase III of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement, the project will create 48 new units, of which 24 are affordable housing units.
Social Development Minister Mary Schryer, who is also Minister responsible for Housing, and Rodney Weston, Member of Parliament for Saint John, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
“We are pleased to join our partners in this project to see 24 more affordable housing units being created for the benefit of low-income families in the Saint John area,” said Minister Schryer. “The creation of more affordable housing is essential in our efforts to provide vulnerable individuals with the platform to achieve their own personal goals.”
The $4.7 million housing project is located at 10 Woodhollow Park in Saint John and was developed by Woodhollow Park Developments. The project will receive $720,000 under the Federal Affordable Housing Trust to offset construction costs, as well as $1,050,000 in rent supplements from the Province of New Brunswick for 24 units.
“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in New Brunswick and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Weston. “With the opening of this project, low income families in Saint John will now have access to quality, affordable rental housing to meet their specific needs, while remaining close to their families and friends.”
The objective of the Canada – New Brunswick Affordable Housing Agreement is to create and sustain rental housing for low- to moderate-income New Brunswick households through new construction or rehabilitation.
Funding is available to private non-profits, cooperatives, community or private developers interested in developing projects for low- to moderate-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.
This project was built to high energy-efficiency standards, and involved consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of affordable housing projects for low-income individuals may receive an incentive of $2,000 per apartment unit if the building is heated by low greenhouse gas emission technologies as approved by Efficiency NB.
Media Contacts:
| Sonya Gilks Communications Department of Social Development Tel.: 506-444-3730 |
Giselle Thibault Communications and marketing consultant Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. Tel.: 902-426-8320 |