Latest news with #HousingandInfrastructure
The Age
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Age
The 55-minute lunch, the ‘brazen signal' and the council in chaos
Among the matters under examination are councillor conduct, the council's handling of its finances, and state government grants for infrastructure, property purchases and staff employment – including its revolving door of 10 acting or permanent chief executive officers in eight years. On Friday, the inquiry heard Jackson – who lived in Northern Ireland through The Troubles and was once chief executive of the Belfast Local Strategy Partnership – started work at the council in 2014. He had replaced the council's former boss Kiersten Fishburn, who is the current secretary of the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, as chief executive in November 2020. By the time of his lunch with Mannoun in late 2021, the inquiry heard Jackson was one year into his five-year contract and fresh from a positive performance review. He had steered more than 800 staff through the departure of a 'highly popular' former chief executive, a restructure, and the pandemic. Loading 'The organisation was exhausted, we didn't need further upheaval,' he had told Mannoun. When he had quizzed Mannoun about what he meant by his remarks about the chief executive role, Mannoun had not responded, but instead asked Jackson about the process required to terminate his contract. Jackson said he had phoned Mannoun when he secured the mayoralty on December 20. 'I congratulated him on his success and he immediately said, 'Have you thought about my proposition to you about leaving the organisation?' 'I said, 'I think you're making a mistake, but if you've got the numbers, we know how it plays out.'' Mannoun said that 'his group' had agreed to a settlement of 50 weeks' pay, which Jackson understood was a reference to Liberal councillors, of which there were five on the council. He had also expressed a desire to Jackson that they keep his 'transition' out of the role professional, to agree on core messaging to staff, and for the matter to remain confidential. At a meeting on January 10, before the first meeting of the new council, Mannoun had said: 'Eddie, the people of Liverpool have elected their mayor and new CEO.' Jackson said: 'That, to me, was a very brazen signal of his intent to take a direct role, contrary to the [Local Government] Act, in the appointment of directors and day-to-day operations of staff, and he had no qualms about seeking to direct or influence members of staff, or directors in particular. 'I was very concerned about that.' Jackson said Mannoun had reiterated his dissatisfaction with the council directors' recent performance, which Jackson thought was 'unfair, 'very dismissive' and 'an arrogant approach'. Loading 'I'm speaking in the context of living through Belfast in the worst of times – COVID tested everyone in a way that was unprecedented.' Councillors voted 6-5 to terminate Jackson's contract and replace him with acting chief executive Peter Diplas at a council meeting on February 2. Jackson met Mannoun a few days later to discuss his settlement, which was reached months later. 'The meeting concluded, I shook his hand at the door, and that was the last contact I had with Mr Mannoun,' Jackson said. Jackson will be cross-examined next week, and Mannoun is yet to provide evidence. The inquiry continues. It is being heard over five weeks in front of Commissioner Ross Glover.
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Larvotto plumps finances with US$105M for NSW gold/antimony mine
Larvotto Resources has raised US$105 million to help restart its Hillgrove gold and antimony project in New South Wales, thanks to a fully subscribed senior secured bond issue backed by major Australian and overseas investors. Larvotto says the issue highlights the compelling development case for Hillgrove and its potentially pivotal role in supplying critical antimony to global markets. Investors in the bond issue include leading natural resources and renewable energy companies. The company will invest the new proceeds, its existing cash and other equity to restart its Hillgrove project. Larvotto expects to settle the issue on August 1 and to start drawing on the funds in October. In June, Larvotto received NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approval for its Modification 6 application to upgrade processing infrastructure and underground mining access at the historic mine. 'For the company to be in a position to undertake a bond issue is a strong endorsement of the project and its projected returns.' Larvotto Resources managing director Ron Heeks The critical regulatory milestone enables the company to restart mining and processing activities, has bolstered the company's confidence in final-stage financing and paves the way for first production in 2026. Funds will be allocated to critical development activities, including the transition to dry-stacked tailings, subject to departmental approval. Larvotto has opted for dry-stacked tailings at Hillgrove due to its environmental, engineering and cost advantages and because it is particularly suited to the site's steep terrain and existing infrastructure. Larvotto Resources managing director Ron Heeks said: 'The bond completion marks another milestone for Larvotto Resources and its Hillgrove project. Completed well within the expected project finance timeline, for the company to be in a position to undertake a bond issue is a strong endorsement of the project and its projected returns.'
The Age
4 days ago
- Business
- The Age
Larvotto plumps finances with US$105M for NSW gold/antimony mine
Larvotto Resources has raised US$105 million to help restart its Hillgrove gold and antimony project in New South Wales, thanks to a fully subscribed senior secured bond issue backed by major Australian and overseas investors. Larvotto says the issue highlights the compelling development case for Hillgrove and its potentially pivotal role in supplying critical antimony to global markets. Investors in the bond issue include leading natural resources and renewable energy companies. The company will invest the new proceeds, its existing cash and other equity to restart its Hillgrove project. Larvotto expects to settle the issue on August 1 and to start drawing on the funds in October. In June, Larvotto received NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure approval for its Modification 6 application to upgrade processing infrastructure and underground mining access at the historic mine. 'For the company to be in a position to undertake a bond issue is a strong endorsement of the project and its projected returns.' Larvotto Resources managing director Ron Heeks The critical regulatory milestone enables the company to restart mining and processing activities, has bolstered the company's confidence in final-stage financing and paves the way for first production in 2026. Funds will be allocated to critical development activities, including the transition to dry-stacked tailings, subject to departmental approval. Larvotto has opted for dry-stacked tailings at Hillgrove due to its environmental, engineering and cost advantages and because it is particularly suited to the site's steep terrain and existing infrastructure. Larvotto Resources managing director Ron Heeks said: 'The bond completion marks another milestone for Larvotto Resources and its Hillgrove project. Completed well within the expected project finance timeline, for the company to be in a position to undertake a bond issue is a strong endorsement of the project and its projected returns.'
Cision Canada
7 days ago
- Politics
- Cision Canada
Preventing coastal flooding and shoreline erosion in the Village of Gwa'yas'dums on Gilford Island Français
VILLAGE OF GWA'YAS'DUMS, BC, July 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Gilford Island coastlines will be protected from the impacts of climate change and erosion after an investment of more than $3.2 million from the federal government. Gwa'yas'dums Village (gwa-yas-dums) is a remote coastal island community that is at risk of coastal flooding and shoreline erosion due to sea-levels rising and storm surges. The current shoreline protection infrastructure was installed in the 1960's and has passed its life expectancy. This project includes two key elements: armouring the shoreline with riprap, which is human-placed rock or other natural materials used to protect shoreline structures against erosion, as well as the construction of a bio-engineered slope. These assets will increase the community's resilience by mitigating the impacts of coastal flooding to the community's critical infrastructure and essential services. Quotes "Investing in infrastructure to protect Canadians against current and future environmental disasters is our government's promise in action. We are working together with partners to build resiliency in our communities to address the increasing impacts of climate change across the country." The Honourable Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Esquimalt—Saanich—Sooke, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "We are profoundly proud to stand in partnership with the government on this vital initiative. This project is a tangible result of what can be accomplished when we walk together, side-by-side, in a spirit of respect and collaboration. It marks a positive step in the right direction on our shared path toward reconciliation, ensuring the Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis people can continue to thrive in our homeland for generations to come. We have been the guardians of this territory since time immemorial, and this partnership empowers us to continue that sacred responsibility." Hereditary Chief Rick Johnson, Ḵwiḵwa̱sut'inux̱w Ha̱xwa'mis First Nation Quick Facts Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits. The federal government is investing $3,272,858 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. To date, over $2.9 billion has been announced for more than 117 infrastructure projects that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe. This funding will support projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks. Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund Canada's National Adaptation Strategy Strengthened Climate Plan Climate Toolkit for Housing and Infrastructure Housing and Infrastructure Project Map Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Building 1,285 new homes in Toronto Français
TORONTO, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the government is supporting the construction of 1,285 new rental homes with an investment of over $650 million through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP). The announcement was made by Michael Coteau, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Woburn, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Roberston, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, alongside Michael Thompson, Councillor for Scarborough Centre. The 1,285 rental units will be comprised of three 45, 35, and 41-storey residential towers, located at 25 Borough Drive, and will be developed by Oxford Properties Group, the global real estate arm of OMERS. The development will feature residential and retail space and will offer a broad unit mix of 51 studios, 693 one-bedrooms, 411 two-bedrooms and 130 three-bedroom units, including 23 townhomes for people from various economic backgrounds, age demographics, and family structures. The site is located close to Scarborough Town Centre Shopping mall and will be near Scarborough Centre TTC station, which include GO Transit, and the future Scarborough Subway Expansion. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with our partners to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "Our government is committed to driving housing supply to bring down costs. This project will create more rental homes for people living and working in Scarborough and is an example of what's possible when we work together in partnership with the private sector. This is another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong." – The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "We are building more affordable homes to address the housing crisis. The project at 25 Borough Drive will create 1,285 new homes for Torontonians, including studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments and townhomes. The City of Toronto is proud to support this project through the Rental Housing Supply Program. We are stronger together, working with the Government of Canada to create more affordable homes in Scarborough to meet the needs of our growing city."" – Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto "Oxford is a high-conviction investor in the living sector, and we're proud to leverage our strong development expertise in Canada to help address our nation's housing crisis. The ACLP loan allows us to accelerate our plan to intensify the lands at our Brimley site to deliver much-needed housing solutions in Scarborough. Our partnership with CMHC is a tremendous example of how a public-private solution can drive transformative, meaningful impact for communities." – Daniel Fournier, Executive Chair at Oxford Properties Quick Facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need. All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people, and communities The $55 billion Apartment Loan Construction Program (ACLP) is providing low-cost financing to support more than 131,000 new rental homes across Canada by 2031 – 2032. The ACLP provides fully repayable low-interest loans to encourage the construction of more rentals for middle-class Canadians. It creates a positive impact to the housing system at minimal cost to taxpayers. A stable supply of purpose-built rental housing is essential for more people in Canada to have access to housing that meets their needs. As of March 2025, CMHC has committed $23.35 billion in loans through ACLP to support the creation of more than 59,000 rental homes. It is one of many programs and initiatives under the National Housing Strategy designed to help address housing needs across the housing continuum. It complements other NHS initiatives that focus on funding affordable housing units for lower-income households. Budget 2024 announced enhancements to the ACLP which includes the program being extended from 2027 – 2028 to 2031 – 2032. The enhancements will allow applicants to apply for funding for on- and off-campus student housing to support post-secondary educational institutions as well as independent seniors housing. There are no longer minimum requirements relating to energy efficiency and accessibility, instead applicants will benefit from making stronger commitments to desired rental supply and social outcomes. Funding provided for 25 Borough Drive is as follows: $650 million in fully repayable loans from the federal government, through the Apartment Construction Loan Program $2.5 million from City of Toronto's Rental Housing Supply Program Additional Information: Visit for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
