The Government of Canada joined the Province of Prince Edward Island today at the official opening of O’Leary Housing Project on Stewart Lane in O’Leary.
The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Egmont, 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 Valerie E. Docherty, Minister of Community Services and Seniors, made the announcement today.
“Our Government is investing in affordable housing here and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most,” said Minister Shea. “The creation of these new units here in O’Leary will provide seniors access to quality and affordable housing, while ensuring that they can stay close to their families and friends.”
“The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to providing quality affordable housing options across the province,” said Minister Docherty. “In order to support our aging population, it is vital we continue such partnerships as we continue to increase the number of affordable housing units in Prince Edward Island.”
O’Leary Housing Project, located at 13 Stewart Lane in O’Leary, is supported by $270,000 in Affordable Housing Trust capital funding. The six-unit seniors’ building includes two barrier-free units designed for persons with disabilities. It incorporates energy efficiency innovations including geothermal heat, and represents a 25 per cent increase in the number of subsidized seniors housing units in the community of O’Leary.
The provincial Department of Community Services and Seniors operates housing units across the province for families, seniors and persons living with disabilities who require assistance finding affordable and appropriate homes. The Seniors' Housing program supports housing units in 35 communities across the province. Islanders aged 60 and older are eligible for assistance. The Province partners with the Government of Canada to provide these enhancements to housing options on Prince Edward Island.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada, through CMHC, is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.