Scarborough – The Government of Canada announced today that 172 housing co-operative and urban native non-profit projects located in Ontario will receive more than $27.8 million through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments.

The announcement was made at Marine Heights Co-operative Homes, in Scarborough, by the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Vaughan, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

“Our government is focused on the economy and creating jobs and growth for families,” said Minister of State Fantino. “Canada’s Economic Action Plan is funding renovation and retrofit projects like these ones to improve the quality of life of the residents and help stimulate the economy and create local jobs.”

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, 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 which they administer on behalf of the partnership.  The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The housing co-operatives and urban native non-profit projects that will receive contributions from the Government of Canada are outlined in the attached backgrounder.

"The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is the organized voice of the Canadian      Co-operative housing movement," said CHF Canada Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard. "The federal government has responded to the financial need we identified with a stimulus funding program which will help to ensure that present and future residents have a safe, comfortable home for years to come.”

“On behalf of the membership of Marine Heights Co-operative Homes, I would like to thank the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for the funds we’ve received through Canada’s Economic Action Plan to replace our roofs,” said Jim Studeny, Board President. “Not only have these renovations improved the well-being of our residents, but they have also helped establish our community for future generations.”

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.