October 15, 2004
More Affordable Housing To Be Available In Brandon
More Affordable Housing To Be Available In Brandon- - -
An Additional 77 Units Supported With Federal and Provincial Funding
Brandon residents will soon benefit from the construction of eight new rental housing units and 69 more renovated units for families with moderate to lower incomes, with the support of the governments of Canada and Manitoba.
Reg Alcock, president of the Treasury Board and minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board, on behalf of federal Labour and Housing Minister Joe Fontana; and Manitoba Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick announced today that over $1.3 million in support will be combined with contributions from project owners for total project costs of $2.1 million.
"Renovation of existing buildings is a sustainable way to improve the housing conditions of these Brandon residents," said Alcock. "This funding will ensure continued safe living conditions in urban housing, while providing for secure, quality communities in Manitoba."
"We are pleased with the progress in Brandon to improve housing which strengthens families and helps to revitalize the city's core," said Melnick. "Strong economic growth continues in Brandon and, through effective partnerships between government and the community, we are helping to address the shortage of affordable, safe housing by supporting locally-planned housing initiatives."
Through the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) which is cost-shared by the governments of Canada and Manitoba and Manitoba's Neighbourhood Housing Assistance (NHA) program, $1,286,122 will support 14 projects:
- 305 Lorne Ave. - $323,283 for 14 apartment units;
- 160 Fourth St. - $144,000 for eight units;
- 260 Sixth St. - $131,637 for eight units;
- 244-246 15th St. - $114,952 for seven units;
- Homes located at 235, 245, 247 and 251 Fifth St. - $96,000 for four, four-bedroom homes;
- 437 Lorne St. - $96,000 for four apartment units;
- 356 13th St. - $78,229 for renovations to five units;
- 120 Ninth St. - $71,053 for four units;
- 150 15th St. - $64,156 for six units;
- 513 13th St. - $46,000 for three units;
- 812 Victoria Ave. - $36,000 for two units;
- 717 10th St. - $ 35,313 for two units;
- 823 22nd St. - $29,499 for two units; and
- 645 Eighth St. - $20,000 for two units.
RRAP is cost-shared on a 75/25 per cent basis by the federal and provincial governments respectively. Through its national housing agency, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the federal government is contributing $912,092 and the Manitoba government, with additional NHA funding, is providing $374,030 to support these projects. The project owners will provide funding for the balance of the costs.
In addition, under the Canada/Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative's New Rental Supply program, $60,000 will support a project at 843 Fourth St. for the construction of six, new two-bedroom apartments. Total project value is $360,647.
The project owners provide the funding for the balance of the costs.
"We would like to thank our federal and provincial partners for supporting locally-planned housing initiatives. Though a community process we are able to best identify our housing requirements and, working with local developers, address the continuing demand," said Mike Abbey, chair of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation. "Our private partners are committed to creating safe, affordable housing in Brandon and they should be proud of their accomplishments".
Manitoba Family Services and Housing is working co-operatively with CMHC and the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation to revitalize housing in the Brandon core area. Projects may be funded through the Canada/Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative or a combination of assistance from RRAP and the NHA program. The NHA program is fully funded by the Government of Manitoba.
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION
HOUSING SUPPORT DETAILS
Government of Canada
The Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative (AHI) was signed in September 2002 and provides $50.8 million over five years to help increase the supply of affordable rental units and new housing available in the province. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), on behalf of the Government of Canada, has contributed $25.4 million which is matched by the Province of Manitoba. It is anticipated the AHI will create up to 2,500 units over five years.
The Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) helps low-income households and landlords make necessary repairs to bring their properties up to acceptable health and safety standards. RRAP is cost-shared 75/25 per cent respectively by the federal government through CMHC and by the provincial government through Manitoba Family Services and Housing. Manitoba administers the program.
Government of Manitoba
Through the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative, Manitoba has committed $25.4 million to further increase support for the development of safe and affordable housing. Funding support under the New Rental Supply, New Homeownership Supply, Repair/Conversion and Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance programs is available to support housing proposals.
The Manitoba government has also committed close to $2 million annually to its share of federal renovation programs including the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program and the Shelter Enhancement Program.
Neighbourhoods Alive! is a long-term development strategy that provides community groups in designated areas of Winnipeg, Brandon and Thompson with the support they need for programs in the areas of housing and physical improvements, employment and training, education and recreation, safety, and crime prevention. The Manitoba government has committed almost $3.7 million to Neighbourhoods Alive! in the 2004 budget to develop local capacity, innovative training and provide a fund through which local neighbourhoods can implement their revitalization plans.