Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Bruce County

November 20, 2009

From Left to Right: Grant Deimert (architect), Susan Earle (Manger of Bruce County Housing services ), Mike Smith (Mayor of Saugeen Shores), Bill Goetz (Warden of Bruce County), Ben Lobb (M.P. for Huron- Bruce) , Carol Mitchell, (M.P.P for Huron-Bruce)

Picture compliments of the Saugeen Times


Port Elgin, Ontario – Funding of $2.1 million for 28 new affordable housing rental units for seniors, persons with disabilities, and other low income households was announced today in Port Elgin.

Ben Lobb, Member of Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Carol Mitchell, Member of Provincial Parliament for Huron-Bruce, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; along with Bill Goetz, Warden of the County of Bruce, and Mike Smith, Mayor of Saugeen Shores made the announcement. 

“The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors, persons with disabilities and other hard working Canadians who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs,” said MP Lobb. “This investment is possible through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment.”

“New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government’s Poverty Reduction Strategy,” said MPP Mitchell.  “We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program.”

“Bruce County is very pleased to be able to build affordable housing homes,” said Warden Bill Goetz.  “The 28 unit apartment building will help to address the housing needs for residents in Saugeen Shores.”

“This announcement reinforces the great partnership we have with all levels of government.  There is definitely a need for affordable housing in Saugeen Shores.” said Mayor Smith.    “This is first, of what we hope to be more affordable housing projects in the county.”

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends.  Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities.  Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.
Today’s announcement celebrates the funding for 28 new affordable rental units at 725 Wellington Street.  The project is sponsored by Bruce County Housing Corporation.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding with a total of 39 quick start projects totaling over $76.5 million, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province.  It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca.  To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.