The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. 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. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $75 million under the amended Canada–New Brunswick Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing for low-income seniors, single-parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $850 million under the Affordable Housing Initiative to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing.

Renovations include exterior retrofits, electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, fire safety, energy improvements and site works.

Tilly O’Neill-Gordon, Member of Parliament for Miramichi, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); and the Honourable John Foran, New Brunswick Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, on behalf of the Honourable Kelly Lamrock, New Brunswick Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Housing, made the announcement today.

“In its second year, our government’s Economic Action Plan is stimulating the economy and creating jobs during the global recession here in New Brunswick and across Canada,” said MP O’Neill-Gordon. “Renovation projects like these are a good way to get the local economy moving and put construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly. Most importantly, they are giving a hand-up to those who need it most, by improving the quality of social housing.”

“We are pleased to work together to provide affordable and safe accommodations for low-income seniors, families and to those who have accessibility needs in northeastern New Brunswick,” Foran said. “Affordable housing is a key component of Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan to ensure New Brunswickers have a quality, energy-efficient place to call home.”

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Low-income Alberta families, individuals, seniors and persons with disabilities will soon have greater access to affordable housing, thanks to a more than $70-million federal-provincial investment for 19 projects, which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

The Honourable Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport), on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs made the announcement today.

The announcement was made at a special signing for Mayfair Village, an affordable housing project in downtown Edmonton which will bring affordable rental accommodation to 237 families and individuals. In addition to the $6.3-million federal and provincial contribution in this project, the City of Edmonton is also investing $7.8 million in the project.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is providing a hand-up to those who need it most here in Alberta and in all corners of the country,” said Minister Merrifield. “We are committed to making communities stronger. These investments help create new jobs and stimulate the economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes for Canadians.”

“The province is proud to partner with the federal government, non-profit and for profit groups to develop more affordable housing in Alberta,” said Honourable Jonathan Denis, Minister of Alberta Housing and Urban Affairs. “These partnerships allow us to build more housing units at less of a cost to the taxpayer, which is particularly important during tough economic times.”

“The Mayfair Village development is an example of the great work we can do in cooperation with our provincial and federal partners,” said Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The integration of affordable and accessible units into our neighbourhoods city-wide will further cultivate the diverse and vibrant communities that make Edmonton a remarkable place to live.”

“These units will make a positive difference in the lives of many of our community members,” said George Schluessel, Chief Executive Officer and President of ProCura Real Estate Services Ltd. “The proponents thank the Federal government and the Alberta government for their ongoing commitment to increase the supply of affordable housing and for funding for these much needed initiatives.”

Including the Mayfair Village development, the federal and provincial governments announced they are investing equally in 19 housing projects across Alberta. Cost-matched government funding announced today will facilitate the construction of seven projects in Calgary, four in Edmonton and eight in other Alberta communities for a total of 886 new affordable housing units.

The funding announced today has been made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and the extension of the Affordable Housing Initiative. Overall, the federal and provincial governments will be contributing equally to fund $238 million in housing investments under the amended Canada – Alberta Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Non-profit organizations, private businesses and municipalities were eligible to apply for the funding through Alberta’s affordable housing Request for Proposals (RFP) process which leverages government funding with private-sector dollars. Successful applicants receive funding to purchase or build affordable housing units, renovate existing rental units, develop secondary units in private homes or support other options as identified by the community.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. The Action Plan provides $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities. Overall it provides more than $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Alberta Affordable Housing – Moishe Alexander

The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. 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. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $96 million under the amended Canada – Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The Government of Canada wants to improve the quality of existing social housing for low-income seniors, single parent families, recent immigrants and Aboriginal households. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $850 million under the Affordable Housing Initiative to provinces and territories for the renovation and retrofit of existing social housing. It also provides a total of $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing, including $400 million for housing for low-income seniors and $75 million for housing for persons with disabilities.

The Greystone project, located in Spryfield, will receive $5.9 million for repairs and renovation of 246 units for seniors and families. The Ida Mae Marriott project, also located in Spryfield will receive $3.15 million to construct 15 new units and to regenerate six existing units for a total of 21 units, which includes 18 units for seniors and three units for persons with disabilities. The remainder of nearly $5 million will be distributed amongst 10 projects (a total of 950 units for seniors and families) located throughout HRM for repairs and renovations. Repairs to the housing projects will include exterior refurbishments, including roofs, siding, windows and doors, in addition to interior upgrades to kitchens.

The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Nova Scotia Minister of Community Services, made the announcement today.

“Our Government remains committed through our ongoing Economic Action Plan to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Nova Scotia,” said Minister MacKay. “That’s why we’re proud to be investing in the construction and renovation of these units in Halifax, which will provide safe, affordable homes for years to come.”

“The province is committed to making life better for families in Nova Scotia. Housing is a fundamental part of the equation,” said Minister Peterson-Rafuse. “We are very happy to improve and increase affordable housing in metro Halifax. This investment will mean more families, seniors, and people with disabilities will be living in safe, comfortable, accessible homes.”

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.

Nova Scotia and Affordable Housing in Halifax

“Higher multiple starts were nearly offset by a decline in single starts and rural area starts in April. As a result, total housing starts edged higher in April,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre.

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 5.1 per cent to 182,500 units in April. Urban multiple starts increased by 27.2 per cent to 98,600 units, while single urban starts decreased by 12.7 per cent to 83,900 units.

April’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased 16.4 per cent in British Columbia, 6.7 per cent in the Prairie region, 4.5 per cent in Ontario, and 1.1 per cent in Quebec. Urban starts decreased 3.3 per cent in Atlantic Canada.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 19,200 units in April.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of high quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

Housing Starts

Following a total of 149,081 units in 2009, housing starts are expected to be in the range of 166,900 to 199,600 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 182,000 units. In 2011, housing starts will be in the range of 148,600 to 208,800 units, with a point forecast of 179,600 units.

“Canadian housing markets have recovered from the low levels posted in early 2009,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist for CMHC. “Moving forward, housing starts will moderate as activity becomes more in-line with long term demographic fundamentals. New measures for government-backed mortgage insurance introduced by the Government of Canada that took effect on April 19, 2010 will continue to support the long-term stability of Canada’s housing market.”

Mr. Dugan also noted that the existing home market will move towards balanced conditions over the next two years as MLS®1 sales ease and inventory levels increase. In late 2009 and early 2010, sales activity included some pent-up demand from early 2009. Once this demand is exhausted, and as mortgage rates gradually rise, the pace of activity in the resale market will ease. As a result, existing home sales will be in the range of 484,000 to 513,300 units in 2010, with a point forecast of 497,300 units, and then move slightly lower in 2011 to be in the range of 443,500 to 504,900 units, with a point forecast of 473,500 units.

With an improved balance between demand and supply, the average MLS® price is expected to stabilize through the end of 2010 and then rise modestly in 2011.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

* The forecasts included in the Housing Market Outlook are based on information available as of April 23, 2010. Where applicable, forecast ranges are also presented in order to reflect economic uncertainty.

“An increase in residential housing starts combined with rising MLS® sales is expected in New Brunswick in 2010 after seeing reduced activity in both the new home and resale market in most provincial urban centres last year,” said Claude Gautreau, CMHC’s senior market analyst for New Brunswick. Housing activity during the first quarter of 2010 has yielded positive results as economic fundamentals in the province remained strong, highlighted by historically high employment levels. These conditions are expected to persist over the forecast period.

In New Brunswick’s three large urban areas – Saint John, Moncton and Fredericton – residential starts are expected to outpace last year’s totals. However, the anticipated increase in housing starts in 2010 and 2011 will be moderate. The existing home market is expected to follow the same general trend with steady price growth in both 2010 and 2011, combined with a moderate increase in sales.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a
variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

YouTube video New Brunswick

“Housing starts improved in both the singles and multiples segments in January,” said Bob Dugan, Chief Economist at CMHC’s Market Analysis Centre. “These increases are similar to the ones that occurred in December.”

The seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 4.4 per cent to 165,200 units in January. Urban multiple starts increased by 5.7 per cent to 76,300 units while single urban starts increased by 3.3 per cent to 88,900 units.

January’s seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts increased by 19.8 per cent in British Columbia, by 7.3 per cent in Quebec, by 2.3 per cent in Atlantic Canada, and by 1.5 per cent in the Ontario. In the Prairie region, the seasonally adjusted annual rate of urban starts decreased by 4.8 per cent.

Rural starts were estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 21,100 units in January.

As Canada’s national housing agency, CMHC draws on more than 60 years of experience to help Canadians access a variety of quality, environmentally sustainable and affordable homes. CMHC also provides reliable, impartial and up-to-date housing market reports, analysis and knowledge to support and assist consumers and the housing industry in making vital decisions.

Case by Case Basis

As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects that they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing that it directly administers. Repairs that are eligible for funding include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth,” said the Honourable Christian Paradis, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like these ones, will not only improve the quality of life of the residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable but also help stimulate the economy and create jobs.”

As of February 1, 2010, CMHC is accepting applications from eligible project sponsors for the remaining $75 million funding for year two. Sponsor groups can apply online or through the mail. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

Introduction to Affordable Housing

The Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement today.

“Our government’s Economic Action Plan is improving housing conditions for those who live in First Nation communities in Quebec. We are also stimulating the local economy by creating jobs,” said Minister Paradis.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs.

The application calls for the year one (2009/2010) new funding initiatives under Canada’s Economic Action Plan were very successful and generated a large number of applications. As a result, CMHC will be fully allocating all the available funding for the fiscal year.

The year two (2010/2011) application call is now open. Applications for this second round of funding will be accepted between February 1, 2010 and February 22, 2010.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, some $45 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Quebec to address immediate housing needs.

CMHC will allocate $150,000 to retrofit 48 social housing units in Kahnawake and Kanesatake to improve living conditions in these First Nation communities.

Tim Uppal, Member of Parliament for Edmonton – Sherwood Park, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC); Janice Sarich, MLA for Edmonton – Decore; Karen Leibovici, Deputy Mayor for the City of Edmonton; and the homeEd Board of Directors launched the grand opening with homeEd tenants, members from the Fraser Community League and the City’s Advisory Board on Services for Persons with Disabilities.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is providing Canadians a hand up to those who need it the most,” said MP Uppal. “Our government is committed to making communities stronger through projects like this one. These investments in local infrastructure will help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy.”

“Congratulations to all the partners who worked together to support homeEd’s Fraser development,” said Yvonne Fritz, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. “These 31 town homes are more than just safe and affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the families that will call them home.”

“Edmonton City Council is proud to utilize Cornerstones investment in the homeEd Fraser development to create affordable rental housing for our citizens. Affordable rental housing is a vital part of the multipronged strategies the City of Edmonton has successfully delivered with all our partners in government, community, non-profit and the private sector,” said Deputy Mayor Karen Leibovici, Council Lead on Affordable Housing and Homelessness. “The inclusion of barrier free rental units is an important option and will greatly enhance families’ abilities to remain together in a home environment.”

With over 700 units in their current inventory, the Fraser town homes are the first newly constructed units built by homeEd in 16 years. Edmonton City Council has invested $34 million in the Cornerstones Plan that will help create over 2,600 affordable housing units by 2011.

“homeEd has been proudly helping meet the affordable housing needs of Edmontonians for almost three decades,” said Terry Loat, General Manager of homeEd. “homeEd is an important part of the innovated affordable housing solutions offered by the City of Edmonton. Through funding partnerships from all orders of government, homeEd is a very successful housing model accommodating a tenant mix of low and moderate incomes.”

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.