Media and Events

Canada and Alberta invest $90 million for repairs over the next two years

Calgary...Albertans living in social housing supported by the federal and provincial governments are getting some major home improvements thanks to a $90-million joint investment by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta. The federal and provincial governments are each contributing $45 million over the next two years which includes funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan.

To date, almost $45 million in upgrades have been approved, which includes $20.2 million for Calgary, $20.4 million for Edmonton and $4 million for the remainder of Alberta. Work includes large-scale improvements like electrical, plumbing and ventilation system upgrades, and replacing doors, windows and roofs.

"Through Year 2 of Canada's Economic Action Plan, our Government remains committed to giving a hand up to those who need it most," said Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Seniors, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "Projects like these are especially valuable right now, because they put construction workers and tradespeople to work quickly, while at the same time providing needed improvements to housing throughout the country."

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Homeless Edmontonians will soon have greater access to permanent housing thanks to the Province's 10-year plan to end homelessness and the 2009/10 housing for the homeless grant program.  Seven Edmonton-based organizations will partner with the Alberta government to develop 314 more housing units for the homeless.

"Our competitive grant program leverages local expertise and dollars, allowing the province to stretch taxpayers' dollars and build more homes for less," said Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Jonathan Denis.  "Together, government, non-profit organizations and private sector developers are providing not only much-needed housing; we are helping vulnerable Edmontonians transition to healthy, independent living."

Some of the housing units are being constructed from the ground up, while others will be purchased throughout the city. This allows some units to be made available quickly. Other units will come on stream later to assist clients as needed. Consistent with both the Alberta and Edmonton 10-year plans to end homelessness, in all cases residents will be provided with targeted supports and services they need to help them address the underlying causes of their homelessness.

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Families and individuals needing affordable housing will soon have access to 62 more below market rental units in the City of Edmonton. Three community partners, Capital Region Housing Corporation, Five Oaks Inc., and Native Counselling Services of Alberta will share $6.4 million in funding from the Alberta government to develop affordable rental units for an estimated 160 low- to moderate-income tenants.

"The province is proud to work with these community partners. They will develop these new units in an efficient manner, allowing the province to build more affordable housing and help more people."  said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. "Affordable housing supports the Premier's vision to create strong and vibrant Alberta communities."