COWANSVILLE, QC, Aug. 1, 2024
/CNW/ - Today, the federal government announced more than 3.2
million in contributions and low-cost loans through the Affordable
Housing Fund (AHF) to help build and repair 57 affordable homes in
Estrie.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Pascale St-Onge,
Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for
Brome-Missisquoi – on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser,
Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities – alongside the
Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec
Lieutenant, and Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for
Sherbrooke.
The federal funding announced is contributing to the
construction of four housing projects, including 52 new housing
units. A detailed list of all the projects that received funding is
provided in an appendix to this release.
Quotes:
"Everyone deserves a place to call their own and the Affordable
Housing Fund is one way we're helping make that a reality for
Canadians. We will keep investing in affordable housing projects
like the ones announced today, and working with partners across the
country, to end the housing crisis." – The Honourable Sean
Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and
Communities
"In the Eastern Townships, as elsewhere in Canada, access to affordable housing is
crucial to the stability and well-being of our communities. Today's
announcement is a concrete example of our commitment to helping our
region's citizens. This investment in 57 housing units is the fruit
of an essential collaboration and testifies to our commitment to
making our society more inclusive and accessible for
all."– The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Member of Paliament for Brome-Missisquoi
"Investing in affordable housing isn't about pouring money into
concrete. It's about investing in the well-being of Canadians. Like
the future residents of these units, who will have access to a safe
and comfortable place to call home, where they can rest, recharge
and welcome their loved ones. We continue to deliver for Quebecers
by taking concrete action that makes a real
difference."– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez,
Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant
"We are committed to supporting projects that meet the needs of
the most vulnerable in our community. By investing in
infrastructure like this, we offer not only a roof over our heads,
but also hope and a chance to rebuild shattered
lives."– Élisabeth Brière, Member of Parliament for
Sherbrooke
Quick facts:
- The announcement took place at 116 Léopold Street in
Cowansville. The project received
$358,800 in funding from the
Government of Canada through the
Rapid Housing Initiative.
- The federal funding announced today is helping create a total
of 52 new homes and is leading to the repairs of 5 homes.
- The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding
through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to
help build new affordable homes and renovate and repair existing,
affordable and community housing.
- Through the 2023 Fall Economic Statement, the government
announced an additional $1 billion
for the Affordable Housing Fund, bringing the total funding to over
$14 billion. To further support
non-profit, co-operative, and public housing providers and respond
to the needs of those most impacted by the housing crisis, Budget
2024 committed an additional $1
billion to the fund.
- This program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) gives
priority to projects that help people who need it most, including
women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous
peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health
or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.
- As of March 2024, the federal
government has committed $50.97
billion through the NHS to support the creation of over
146,000 units and the repair of over 286,000 units.
- To support the Government's work to grow housing supply and
address the need for more affordable and rental homes, CMHC is
implementing the Frequent Builder framework.
- The Frequent Builder framework will help expedite applications
for the Affordable Housing Fund and the Apartment Construction Loan
Program. The Frequent Builder status is given to existing
housing providers with a proven track record of building
multi-residential units. Different criteria apply to Governments,
non-profit and for-profit organizations to qualify for Frequent
Builder status.
- Frequent Builders may receive benefits such as priority
treatment, a streamlined process through intake, underwriting and
approval stages, underwriting and advancing flexibilities, as well
as the possibility of funding commitments for future years which
will allow funding predictability and better planning for their
pipeline of projects.
Additional Information:
- Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of
Canada housing information.
- CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and
financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need,
and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of
Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim
is that everyone in Canada has a
home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more
information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and
Facebook.
- To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, please
visit www.placetocallhome.ca.
Appendix: Projects receiving funding under AHF
Project Name
|
Region/City
|
Funding ($)
|
Units
|
|
Le
Chevalier
|
Lac-Mégantic
|
2,374,599
|
21
|
|
Val-des-Sources (rue
St-Roch)
|
Val-des-Sources
|
400,000
|
16
|
|
|
Shelter
|
Cowansville
|
345,018
|
15
|
|
Shelter
|
Lac-Mégantic
|
100,000
|
5
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,219,617
|
57
|
|
|
SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)