SIMCOE COUNTY, January 28, 2005 -- The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario today allocated more than $891,000 to help fund the pilot project that will create 33 units of affordable housing for lower-income households in Simcoe County. The announcement was made by the Honourable Andy Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, on behalf of the Honourable Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, and Ontario Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal David Caplan under the Canada/Ontario Affordable Housing Program."The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of affordable housing," said Minister Mitchell. "We are pleased to be working with our partners to extend a helping hand to those who need it the most in Simcoe County including families, seniors and persons with disabilities.""The McGuinty government understands that safe, secure affordable housing is a basic human need," said Mr. Caplan. "By addressing this need in Simcoe County, we are helping area residents achieve the quality of life they deserve.""The County of Simcoe is delighted with today's announcement by the federal and provincial governments to allocate significant dollars to help provide affordable housing to those in need in our community," said Simcoe County Warden Dennis Roughley. "This contribution is a step in the right direction to respond to the tremendous demand on all levels of government and community organizations to address the emergent issue of affordable housing for low-income people."The $891,000 allocation to Simcoe County comprises a 33-unit project at 111 Dufferin Street in the Town of New Tecumseth. The project is sponsored by the Dr. F.M Walker Veterans and Seniors Villa, Inc. The units will be occupied by seniors with lower incomes. Today's federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by more than $717,000 in municipal financial incentives.In Simcoe County, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has contributed $1.1 million through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The pilot project is part of a five-year commitment that will create affordable housing units in Ontario. This partnership combines Government of Canada funding of $245 million with matching contributions of the Government of Ontario, municipalities and other private and non-profit partners. - 30 - For further information please contact:Peter GrahamOffice of Minister Fontana(613) 953-5646Ross ParryOffice of Minister Caplan(416) 325-1657Brenda ClarkOffice of the Warden and CAO(705) 726-9300 Ext. 260 Nancy MacMillanCommunications ConsultantCanada Mortgage and Housing Corporation(416) 997-0720For more information visit http://www.mah.gov.on.ca
