| October 14, 2009 Public Housing Benefits from More Than $1.7 million for Building Upgrades ABBOTSFORD – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced today a $1.7 million cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP) for the Cedarhurst and Fernview social housing facilities in Abbotsford, a joint agreement to provide funding to renovate and retrofit social housing in greatest need of repair throughout the province, creating an estimated 1,130 jobs. “These two buildings are important for lower income families in our city and this latest partnership with the federal government comes as very good news for them,” says Randy Hawes MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “These projects also continue to build on our commitment of supporting the local economy by creating jobs,” says Michael de Jong MLA for Abbotsford West. “At the same time they will maintain a comfortable living situation for residents.” “The goal of these projects is to keep these buildings in the best shape possible so that they can continue to help people who are in need of affordable housing options,” says John van Dongen MLA for Abbotsford South. “By partnering with the provincial government we are working hard to provide the people of Abbotsford with comfortable and affordable housing options that will last well into the future,” says Ed Fast MP for Abbotsford. “As we continue to support social housing in our community with these two projects, we are also getting the added benefit of job creation which is an important component of this partnership.” The following two social housing developments in Abbotsford will benefit from this program: • Cedarhurst housing facility will receive $646,750 for electrical and plumbing repairs, it will also be undergoing renovations designed to make the building a safer living place. • Fernview housing facility will receive $1,058,680 for new ventilation and electrical systems which will ensure the long-term sustainability of the building. Of the total $176.76 million announced, the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels. The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org. 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. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. -30- | |
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