STE. ANNE, June 2, 2006 -- Lower income Manitobans and those with mental health care needs in the Ste. Anne area will soon benefit from the construction of a new affordable housing project. The project is being supported with $1.4 million from the Canada - Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI). The Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; and the Honourable Christine Melnick, Minister of Manitoba Family Services and Housing and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation made the announcement today. Total costs for the 28 unit apartment project are estimated at $3.2 million. Up to 14 of the new apartments are designated for low-income households and will receive funding from the AHI Rent Supplement program so that the rents will be geared to income. Also, up to four units will be made available to people living with mental illness. "The Government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for Canadians who need it most, and we are pleased to be working with our partners at the province and in the community to make projects like this one a reality," said Minister Toews. The new project is being led by a community group, the Ste. Anne Knights of Columbus Council #4819 and is located at 25 Demers Street, in Ste. Anne. The Town of Ste. Anne is also supporting the project by contributing land valued at $115,000. "This will create affordable apartment units and will help ensure a supply of reasonable cost housing for low- and moderate-income people," said Minister Melnick. "We acknowledge the valued contribution of the Ste. Anne Knights of Columbus in helping us construct more quality housing for Manitobans." The 28 new apartments include 26 one-bedroom units and two, two-bedroom apartments and it is expected the project will be ready for occupancy by late 2006. Rents for the new apartments are considered affordable as they will be at median market rent levels for rural Manitoba. "This project addresses a very important need for more quality housing in our area and was made possible by the great partnership between the governments of Canada and Manitoba and local support such as from the Caisse Populaire and Fond Montpetit," said Aurele Boisvert on behalf of the Ste. Anne Knights of Columbus. The governments of Canada and Manitoba will each contribute $36.9 million to the Affordable Housing Initiative in Manitoba, demonstrating a commitment to increasing the supply of affordable housing in Manitoba. It is anticipated that contributions from municipalities, the private and voluntary sectors, co-operatives and charities will significantly increase the size of this initiative in Manitoba. For further information, please contact: Clare Mc Williams Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 403-515-2962 John B. Thorpe Communications Services Manitoba 204-945-6778 Canada - Manitoba Affordable Housing Agreement First Phase: The governments of Canada and Manitoba signed the Affordable Housing Initiative in 2002. The first phase provided federal funding of $25.39 million with matching contributions of $25.39 million from the Province of Manitoba and community-based housing partners. This agreement provided funding for a new rental housing-supply program, a rehabilitation/conversion program, a new homebuyer down-payment program and a home ownership-supply program. Second Phase: The second phase increased the total investment by $23.08 million by 2008. This is equally shared by Canada and Manitoba for: a new rental housing-supply program to increase the amount of new rental affordable housing for low-income renters; a rehabilitation/conversion housing program to rehabilitate severely deteriorated properties into rental or ownership affordable housing for low-income households; a homebuyer down-payment assistance program to help low-income renters become first-time homebuyers of new or recently renovated affordable housing developed under Affordable Housing programs and; a new homeownership supply program to increase homeownership by encouraging construction of new housing in targeted urban revitalization and remote areas. As well, federal assistance is increased to 50 per cent of capital costs to a maximum of $75,000 per unit. The units are expected to remain affordable and be occupied by low-income households for a minimum of 10 years. Phase II is targeted to people on or eligible to be on a social-housing waiting list. Other Government of Canada Housing Support in Manitoba: The Government of Canada annually supports housing with approximately $126.5 million in grants, contributions and subsidies which primarily serve some 42,850 lower-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, Aboriginal people and victims of domestic violence. This includes funds for renovations under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI), Emergency Repair Program (ERP) and the Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP). Other Government of Manitoba Housing Support Programs: The Government of Manitoba offers programs to help lower-income households maintain buy or rent safe, adequate and affordable housing. The province provides annual grants and subsidies through the Manitoba Housing and Renewal Corporation for non-profit and co-operative housing organizations to help develop project proposals for affordable housing for seniors, persons with disabilities and persons with low incomes. It supports the provision of private-sector financing for affordable housing projects developed and delivered by non-profit organizations and also provides grants and loans for home repairs. The Affordable Housing Initiative complements existing renovation and repair programs including the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP). Manitoba cost-shares RRAP, the Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence Program, the Emergency Repair Program and the Shelter Enhancement Program with the federal government. The Manitoba government delivers the federal/provincial cost-shared programs as well as the provincially funded Homeowner Emergency Loan Program.
