Norfolk and Haldimand Counties Gets Boost for Affordable Housing

NORFOLK AND HALDIMAND COUNTIES, Ontario, February 02, 2009 — The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario today announced more than $579,000 in funding for affordable housing. The funding will help create seven new affordable rental homes and provide down payment assistance to 12 households in the Counties of Norfolk and Haldimand.

The announcement was made by the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; and County of Norfolk Mayor Dennis Travale.

“The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said Minister Finley. “Through this investment we are making an important difference in the lives of individuals and families in the Counties of Norfolk and Haldimand who are working towards building a stronger and better future for themselves.”

“Through this allocation to Norfolk and Haldimand Counties, the McGuinty government is renewing its commitment to work with our housing partners to grow the supply of affordable housing,” said Minister Watson. “This funding also allows people to get a foothold in the housing market, and alleviate some of the demand for affordable rental housing.”

The $579,000 allocation includes:

• $210,000 for a three-unit project in Caledonia. The project is sponsored by Hal-Nor Properties Inc., and the units will be occupied by singles and families.
• $140,000 for a two-unit project in Hagersville. The project is sponsored by Hal-Nor Properties Inc., and the units will be occupied by singles and families.
• $140,000 for a two-unit project in Cayuga. The project is sponsored by Hal-Nor Properties, Inc., and the units will be occupied by singles and families.
• $89,495 in down-payment assistance for 12 rental households in Norfolk and Haldimand Counties.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program 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 up to 20,000 households in Ontario. Under the AHP, every region in Ontario has been allocated a specific amount of funding to assist low to moderate-income rental households to purchase affordable homes through interest-free down-payment assistance loans.

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