Government of Canada to Build Safe and Affordable Housing in London

LONDON, ON, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why, in May 2018, the Government launched the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), the largest program of its kind in Canadian history.

Today in London, Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), announced a federal government financial commitment of over $4.7 million for the construction of Nightingale Place.

Thanks to this commitment by the NHCF, a pillar initiative of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), and to the investments of other partners, notably the City of London and the Housing Development Corporation, this project by the London Affordable Housing Foundation, will provide 41 new affordable apartments for individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless and require access to safe and affordable housing.

The London Affordable Housing Foundation began in 2000. It seeks to bring together donors, builders, government and business to increase the supply of affordable housing in London. They are committed to ensuring as many properties and units as possible are both fully accessible and environmentally sustainable.

Quotes

"The National Housing Strategy has an ambitious goal of reducing chronic homelessness in Canada by at least 50%. This wonderful project in London is a concrete step in the right direction. I am proud to be part of a government that works with all partners and works collaboratively to enable all Canadians to build a better life for themselves and their communities." – Peter Fragiskatos, Member of Parliament for London North Centre

"Our Government is dedicated to helping those in need, which is why we are happy to be investing in this project by the London Affordable Housing Foundation. Nightingale Place will be an affordable and safe place to call home for those in this community who are the most at risk of becoming homeless."– Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Science and Sport and to the Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility (Accessibility)

"We welcome this investment, and are thankful for the positive impact it will have on Londoners at risk of homelessness. The need for more affordable housing in London is as great as it is urgent, but no municipality can do it alone. We value the partnership and support from our senior government partners, and will continue working together with all stakeholders to better address the needs of London's most vulnerable." – Mayor Ed Holder, City of London

"We at London Affordable Housing Foundation are very pleased to receive the support and commitment of Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for our Nightingale Place Affordable Housing project. The sole purpose of our volunteer nonprofit group is to provide Affordable Housing to the citizens of London facing economic barriers where they can live with dignity and security. With community partnerships and the substantial and long term support of CMHC we are now able see our much needed project proceed on to an impactful housing benefit for the citizens of London." – Dale Boost,  Board of Directors member for London Affordable Housing Foundation

Quick Facts

• With the new Nightingale Place building, the London Affordable Housing Foundation aims to achieve both energy savings and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 26% compared to the NECB 2015.
• Nightingale Place will be 100% affordable with the rents of all 41 units set at 78% of the median market rental rates in the area.
• At Nightingale Place, 9 of the 41 units will be fully accessible.
• With a budget of $13.2 billion, NHCF gives priority to projects that help those in greatest need, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addictions, Veterans and young adults.
• Through the NHCF, the Government of Canada will work with partners to build up to 60,000 new affordable homes and repair up to 240,000 existing affordable and community homes over the next 10 years.
• Investments are also planned in the NHCF to create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence and create at least 7,000 new affordable housing units for seniors and 2,400 new affordable housing units for people with developmental disabilities.
• Under the Investing in Canada plan, the Government of Canada is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada's rural and northern communities.

Associated Links

• As Canada's authority on housing, CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn,Instagram and Facebook.
• To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, visit www.placetocallhome.ca.

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation