BRANTFORD, September 29, 2006 The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the City of Brantford celebrated today the official opening of an affordable housing project that creates 51 new affordable units in the City of Brantford under the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program. MPP for Brant, Dave Levac, on behalf of the Honourable John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; Mayor of the City of Brantford, Mike Hancock; and representatives of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation attended the ceremony. "The new units opened today will allow 51 families in Brantford to live in quality housing at an affordable cost and start a new page in their lives," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. "This project demonstrates the commitment of Canada's New Government to work together with our partners to create housing for those who need it most." "Improving the availability, affordability and quality of housing is a key priority for the McGuinty government, said MPP Levac. "We are on the side of Ontario's most vulnerable. That's why we are supporting communities like Brantford in their efforts to provide stable and affordable housing to those who need it most." The $4.3 million project, including $1.48 million from the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program, will provide 51 new apartments at 24 Harris Avenue in the City of Brantford. The project is sponsored by Multani Custom Homes Ltd., and the units will be occupied by seniors, families and single persons with lower incomes. "It has been a pleasure to work with Dalip Multani to see this magnificent building come to fruition. This is a quality built structure that will leave the residents of 24 Harris Avenue feeling like they have moved to a wonderful place to live," said Mayor Hancock. "Finding appropriate housing is always a difficult task, and a project like this is certainly a welcome addition to the housing stock in our community. This development not only helps the City achieve its targets for affordable housing, but keeps the local economy thriving." "I take pride in building good, quality housing," said Dalip Multani, of Multani Custom Homes Ltd.. "And, partnering with governments and community agencies means that this quality housing on Harris Ave. can help meet the affordable housing needs in our City." In Brantford, the Government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), has contributed $2.52 million under the Canada Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. Today's federal and provincial allocation will be complemented by more than $1.17 million in municipal financial incentives. The new federal provincial agreement 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 Mortgage and Housing Corporation647-225-3730 Susan BacqueMinistry of Municipal Affairs and Housing416-585-7021 Mayor's OfficeCity of Brantford519-759-4222 ext. 2213 For more information visit: http://www.mah.gov.on.ca
