Cambridge: Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Bryan May, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament for Cambridge, Steve Clark, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo, and Kathryn McGarry, Mayor of Cambridge, have announced over $18 million in funding to support 55 new homes in Cambridge, ON.
The Government of Canada is investing nearly $15 million to support this project. The provincial government is contributing almost $1.4 million through IAH and more than $280,000 from the Social Infrastructure Fund, while the Region of Waterloo is contributing $634,520 and the City of Cambridge is contributing $700,000.
The new mixed-income residential building is located at 195 Hespeler Road and was developed by Home Concept Property Management. It will feature affordable units with visiting support services reserved for individuals with mental illness, physical disabilities, and Indigenous groups in Cambridge. Accessibility is central to the design of the building – which will include units with universal design, fully accessible units, and common areas with accessibility features.
The project broke ground in the Spring of 2021 and is expected to be complete in Spring 2023.
Hussen said: “This project will be adding much needed housing in Cambridge while extending a helping hand to vulnerable individuals. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
Bryan May said: “This investment from the Government of Canada’s National Housing Co-Investment Fund will provide stability and safety to those who will soon call this building home.”
Steve Clark said: “Our government’s policies have delivered historic results in getting more housing built faster and complement our nearly $4.4 billion investments over the past three years to grow and enhance community and supportive housing, address homelessness and respond to COVID-19. Ensuring all Ontarians have a home that meets their needs and budget, especially our most vulnerable, is a top priority for our government.”
Karen Redman, Chair, Region of Waterloo, said: “Access to affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges we face across the Region of Waterloo. We know that communities thrive when everyone has a place to call home, and with the support of government, community and industry partners, we are building ten times the number of affordable units that were being created prior to the pandemic.”
Kathryn McGarry, Mayor of Cambridge, said: “These units will provide more than a roof over someone’s head. They will serve as a safe place to learn, grow and heal. Everyone deserves that and we are grateful for the investment here in Cambridge. This project is an excellent example of an incredible partnership with a common goal — to offer support to those in our community who need it most.”