October 15, 2004
Apartment Units Upgraded In Neepawa With Support From Federal And Provincial Governments
Apartment Units Upgraded In Neepawa With Support From Federal And Provincial GovernmentsAn upgrading project in Neepawa to improve apartment units for people on low incomes is being supported with funding of over $75,000 from the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP).
The funding for the rehabilitation project will upgrade six apartments units in a 105-year-old building to meet basic health and safety standards with structural repairs and upgrades being made to the fire, health and safety components of the apartments.
The announcement was made today by Reg Alcock, president of the federal Treasury Board, on behalf of federal Labour and Housing Minister Joe Fontana; and Manitoba Family Services and Housing Minister Christine Melnick. The project, at 440 Mountain Ave., will improve the six one-bedroom apartments at a total cost of $124,159 which includes the project owner's contribution.
"RRAP is a key program in the Government of Canada's housing strategy which helps revitalize communities across the country," said Alcock. "Through these partnerships, we can make our communities safe and secure, thus ensuring that the quality of life in Canada is the best it can be, particularly for the residents of Neepawa."
"I am pleased that we can support this needed project which is the result of a locally-planned housing initiative to provide more safe and affordable rental housing units in Neepawa," said Melnick. "These improved apartments will help contribute to the overall revitalization of Neepawa."
"Neepawa has long recognized the need for affordable housing options," said Terry Volden, on behalf of the Neepawa and Area Development Committee. "We are gratified that the governments of Canada and Manitoba are supporting our plans to develop more affordable housing for our citizens."
In addition to providing funding to the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, the governments of Canada and Manitoba have each contributed $25.4 million to the Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Initiative to preserve and increase affordable housing in Manitoba. It is anticipated that contributions from municipalities, the private and voluntary sectors, co-operatives and charities will significantly increase the scope of this initiative in 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.