WINDSOR, ON, March 3, 2006 -- Local housing experts exchanged ideas and
best practices today at an all-day forum to stimulate the continuous
development of affordable housing in Windsor and Essex County.
The opportunity to explore partnerships, build capacity and share
knowledge about tools and resources attracted more than 100 developers,
builders, and representatives from business associations, community agencies,
social service providers and government to the Affordable Housing Best
Practices Forum.
The event was the result of a partnership among Canada Mortgage and
Housing Corporation, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, and the
Housing Advisory Committee of Windsor-Essex County.
"The McGuinty government is pleased to work with our partners to provide
this opportunity for the local community and government representatives to sit
down and work together to develop housing solutions for the future," said
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Gerretsen. "Affordable housing
is fundamental to strengthening our communities and providing our people with
a quality of life that is second to none."
"We are delighted to be a partner and participant in today's Affordable
Housing Best Practices Forum," said Joyce Zuk, Windsor City Councillor and
Chairperson of the Housing Advisory Committee. "The recent housing study of
Windsor and Essex County shows there are a large number of families and
individuals in Windsor and Essex County that continue to need assistance with
housing in some form. This forum provided an opportunity to hear and discuss
ideas that worked in other municipalities."
In fall 2005, the City of Windsor was allocated $10.2 million under the
Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. This includes $8.4 million for
capital projects, which will fund 120 units of new affordable housing units,
and $1.85 million for 140 units of housing allowances/rent supplements.
The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing agreement, signed on April 29,
2005, comprises a commitment of $366 million from each of the two levels of
government. With this commitment, the federal, provincial and municipal
governments will have invested at least $800 million over the life of the
Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, to assist some 21,000 Ontario
households.
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For further information:
Kathie Howes
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(416) 218-3488
Brian Worrall
The City of Windsor
(519) 255-6384
Susan Bacque
Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
(416) 585-7021
