TORONTO, June 16, 2006 -- Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Toronto today celebrated the official opening of 111 Kendleton Drive at Robert J. Smith Apartments, a project that creates 58-units affordable housing for seniors in the City of Toronto under the Canada - Ontario Affordable Housing Program. Dr. Shafiq Qaadri, MPP for Etobicoke North, on behalf of the Honourable John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Councillor Suzan Hall, Ward 1 on behalf of Mayor David Miller; and federal officials attended the ceremony. "Canada's new Government is working on many fronts to address the housing needs of seniors," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "This new seniors residence will help ensure that low-income seniors in Etobicoke continue to lead active and independent lives." "The McGuinty government is on the side of Ontario's most vulnerable citizens," said MPP Qaadri. "That's why we are helping seniors here in Etobicoke with their housing needs to help improve their lives and, in turn, our community." The $5.2 million project, including $1.15 million from the Canada - Ontario Affordable Housing Program, provides 58 apartments at 111 Kendleton Drive in Etobicoke. The project is sponsored by Toronto Community Housing, and the units will be occupied by seniors with low incomes. "Helping low income seniors who need support in order to live in their own homes is an important part of Toronto's affordable housing program," Councillor Hall said. "I want to congratulate Toronto Community Housing, the City of Toronto and the federal and provincial governments for their work in bringing this initiative to completion." Today's federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by a $2 million capital contribution from Homes for the Aged, $115,000 from the Mayor's Homeless Initiative Reserve Fund, and $480,000 in municipal incentives. "This innovative partnership among Toronto Community Housing, the city, and the federal and provincial governments provides 58 new affordable homes with supportive services for seniors," said Derek Ballantyne, CEO, Toronto Community Housing Corporation. "By renovating the existing facility to create an inviting and comfortable environment, Toronto Community Housing is working, with tenants, labour and community partners toward our goal of healthy communities." In Toronto, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has allocated $79.4 million in funding to create 1,135 units of rental and supportive housing, over $6.35 million in funding to create 729 units under homeownership and over $37 million for up to 1,800 housing allowances under the Canada - Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The new federal-provincial agreement, signed on April 29, 2005, comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two levels of government. With this commitment, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in affordable housing over the life of the Canada - Ontario Affordable Housing Program. In total, the program will help 20,000 Ontario households by 2010. For further information please contact: Kathie HowesCanada Mortgage Housing Corporation647-225-3730 Patti MunceMinister Gerretsen's Office416-585-6333 Sandra VaughanCity of Toronto416-397-4192 Sheila KirouacToronto Community Housing416-688-8143 For more information visit www.mah.gov.on.ca
