The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, 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 Janice Sherry, Minister of Community Services, Seniors and Labour, today announced support for a local housing initiative for seniors.
Funding of approximately $4 million has been made available for the construction of a new 25-unit development for seniors through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to an overall investment of more than $8 million under the amended Canada – Prince Edward Island Affordable Housing Agreement.
Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.
“The construction of a new seniors’ residence here in Summerside, means that more seniors can continue to live independently,” said Minister Shea, “to remain in, and to contribute to the community they call home.”
“We are pleased to partner with our federal counterparts on such a significant housing project for our Island’s seniors,” said Minister Sherry. “This new complex will be able to accommodate our growing senior population in a modern and accessible facility.”
The new seniors complex will be located in central Summerside within easy access to services. It will feature modern, energy efficient one- and two-bedroom apartments, including accessible and barrier-free units. This provincially built, owned and operated project will increase the number of subsidized seniors units in Summerside to over 175.
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 Provincial Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour is committed to helping seniors of Prince Edward Island reach their full potential. To this end, the Department operates housing units across the province for families, seniors and persons with disabilities who need help finding affordable, 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 this assistance for many of these units.
More information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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.