CHATHAM-KENT: Ahmed Hussen, Federal Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), alongside Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent, has announced $4.9 million to support the construction of 27 permanent affordable housing units for individuals and families in Chatham-Kent through the Project Stream under the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
The project, located at 99 McNaughton Avenue West, will utilize existing municipally owned lands and include a 3-storey modular building with singlebedroom apartments for seniors fleeing domestic violence or elder abuse.
The project will be operated by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, who have provided $3.8 million in capital towards the project. Delivered by CMHC, under the National Housing Strategy (NHS), RHI provides capital contributions to develop new, permanent affordable housing by covering costs associated with the construction of new rental housing units, as well as the acquisition of land, and the conversion/rehabilitation of existing buildings to affordable housing.
Investments made under the RHI are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Hussen said: “Our Government wants to ensure that everyone in Canada has a safe and affordable place to call home. The Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to supporting those who need it most in ChathamKent This is one of the ways our Government’s National Housing Strategy continues to provide housing for everyone in Canada from coast to coast to coast.”
Kamal Khera, Minister of Seniors, said: “Seniors already have so much to worry about, whether it is paying bills, filling their prescriptions, and staying safe during the pandemic. That is why our Government’s National Housing Strategy prioritizes those in the most housing need, including seniors. Today’s announcement is a crucial step towards ensuring that all residents of Canada from all walks of life have access to safe and affordable housing. Thanks to this funding, more seniors in Chatham-Kent will be able to live independently.”
Marcie Ien, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth, said: “We have heard from advocates across the country that women fleeing intimate partner violence often face barriers when they are trying to find alternative housing. Today’s announcement will ensure that vulnerable individuals, women, and families have the support they need to live comfortably. Our government is fully committed to tackling the serious issue of gender-based violence and the National Housing Strategy is a key piece of building a safer Canada for women and gender diverse people.”
Darrin Canniff, Mayor of Chatham-Kent,said: “Ensuring there are affordable housing options to meet a variety of needs’ is a priority of Chatham-Kent’s Council. Chatham-Kent is delighted that its Rapid Housing Initiative application was successful. We look forward to working with CMHC to provide suitable housing for seniors, particularly those fleeing abusive situations, within the next 12 months.”
• The second round of RHI exceeded its initial target of creating up to 4,500 new affordable units for people living in Canada.
• The total number of units created under the second round of RHI is expected to be over 5,300. The Quebec portion represents 1,300 units, and those aren’t included in the results below:
• Projects under the Cities Stream will create close to 1,500 new affordable units and projects under the Projects Stream will create approximately 2,500 new affordable units.
• 2,150 units specifically targeting women and/or women and their children (54% of all units)
• Over 2,300 of these new homes are specifically for Indigenous peoples (58% of all units)
• Over 192 projects were selected from eligible applications for funding under the Projects Stream, and 48 under the Cities Stream bringing the total number of RHI 2 projects under both streams to 240.