Federal government invests in northwestern Ontario affordable housing projects
CBC
The federal government is investing over $84 million to help repair and build nearly 5,000 affordable homes in Northern Ontario, and Indigenous communities across the province.
The funding is coming through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), a $14-billion fund initiated in 2017 as part of the National Housing Strategy.
The fund provides contributions and low-cost loans to housing providers to build, renovate, and repair existing and affordable community housing.
Members of the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board (TBDSSAB) joined Minister of Indigenous Services Patty Hajdu and Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Marcus Powlowski in Thunder Bay on Thursday to announce the new projects on behalf of Minister Sean Fraser of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
"It's about saving affordable housing that's already in place, something that's actually one of the most cost-effective ways to make sure that we can ensure people have a safe place to live," said Hajdu.
"But also building new units and supporting builders like the TBDSSAB and other partners to be able to build quickly."
In total, nonprofit, co-operative and public housing providers will build nearly 231 new homes and repair 4,735 housing units in the region.
As part of the initiative, a Frequent Builder Framework will provide housing providers with track records for building multi-residential units with additional funding for future projects to help expedite applications for the AHF and the Apartment Construction Loan Program.
"They likely will have sites selected, they will have contracts and relationships with builders and they've been in the business, so they understand how quickly they need to act to meet the need," said Hajdu.
She added that it would also help address the $380 billion gap in infrastructure for First Nations communities.
"I'm excited about this announcement because it will go to so many First Nations that are working so hard to save housing units in their communities, that will provide better housing and safer housing and more up-to-date housing for families that are often living in very crowded situations," said Hajdu.
The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board has received over $2.9 million toward repairs for 2,109 units across the city.
Brian Hamilton, a member of the TBDSSAB's board of directors, said he was thankful for the federal government's investment in a more prosperous and sustainable north.
Generally, the TBDSSAB offers Rent-Geared-to-Income Housing based on 30 per cent of gross monthly income.
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