ALLISTON, August 23, 2006 The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the County of Simcoe and the Town of New Tecumseth celebrated the start of construction for an affordable housing project that will create 33 units of affordable housing for seniors in the Town of New Tecumseth under the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program. Helena Guergis, Member of Parliament for Simcoe Grey, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development; Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Seniors, Bob Delaney, on behalf of Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the Honourable John Gerretsen; County of Simcoe Warden Terry Geddes; and Mayor of the Town of New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern attended the ceremony. "Quality, affordable housing is a vision that Canada's new Government shares with our partners in the province of Ontario," said Ms. Guergis. "Housing projects such as this one in New Tecumseth will help us ensure that our lower-income seniors continue to lead active and independent lives." "The McGuinty government is on the side of Ontario seniors the people who built our communities," said Delaney. "That's why we are putting our efforts into helping our municipalities create affordable housing that will allow seniors to live with dignity and independence." The $4.4 million project including over $957,000 from the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program will provide 33 units at 111 Dufferin Street South in Alliston. The project is sponsored by Dr. F.M. Walker Veterans and Seniors Villa Inc. and the units will be occupied by seniors with lower incomes. "The County of Simcoe is pleased to be a partner in the Dr FM Walker project in Alliston. As the service manager for social housing in the County, the County of Simcoe is committed to affordable housing. This project, established to serve seniors, will be a tremendous benefit to those requiring affordable housing options," stated Simcoe County Warden Terry Geddes. "With the growth that the County of Simcoe is facing, we need to ensure our services and infrastructure are going to be able to address the needs of our residents." "There is much need to increase the supply of affordable housing in our communities and we know that attractive, affordable housing helps create stable living conditions," said Mayor Mike MacEachern of the Town of New Tecumseth. "New Tecumseth is pleased to support this initiative and is grateful that the governments of Canada and Ontario and the County of Simcoe have recognized the importance of affordable housing for our population." "This project is named in memory of Dr. Frank Muir Walker, the first president of the Alliston Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, who is remembered for his spirit, dedication and contribution to his community," said Sophie Hill, President of the Dr. F.M. Walker Veterans and Seniors Villa Inc. "That dedication to the core values of the Legion are on display today as we celebrate the Ground Breaking of the Dr. F. M. Walker Veterans and Seniors Villa. Today's federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by more than $509,000 in Town of New Tecumseth financial incentives. 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. Media inquiries: Kathie HowesCanada Mortgageand Housing Corporation647-225-3730 Melanie FrancisMinister Gerretsen's Office416-585-6479 Allan Greenwod, Communications ManagerCounty of Simcoe705-726-9300 extension 1230Cell : 705-794-9301agreenwood@county.simcoe.on.ca For more information visit
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca
