| October 14, 2009 Public Housing Benefits from More Than $400,000 for Building Upgrades MISSION – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced today a $445,760 cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP) for the community of Mission, 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. “We’re committed to helping people find affordable housing options,” says Randy Hawes MLA for Abbotsford-Mission. “Making sure that these facilities are maintained to the safest and most sustainable standards is part of our commitment which is why we have partnered with the federal government to deliver this program.” “I am happy that we can assist Windebank Village in upgrading and building new and more comfortable living spaces,” says Marc Dalton MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission. “This announcement is important for those in the community who rely on social housing as they work toward providing better options for themselves and their families.” “Social housing is a very important part of the well being of our communities.” says Randy Kamp MP for Pitt Meadows-Maple Ridge-Mission. “These upgrades will not only improve life for residents they will also create much needed jobs which is great for the local economy.” Windebank Village, in Mission, will receive $445,760 for repairs to the building envelope 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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