Latest news with #JakeSawatzky
Cision Canada
11 hours ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
The federal government invests to build and renovate more homes for seniors in Coquitlam Français
COQUITLAM, BC, June 26, 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 today announced an investment of $24.6 million for transformative energy retrofits of 134 units and the construction of 18 new infill units for seniors in Coquitlam. The announcement took place at L.J. Christmas Apartments at 560 Austin Avenue in Coquitlam and was made by Jake Sawatzky, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, alongside Bill Cox, Vice-President Burquitlam Senior Housing Society and Rupert Campbell, Principal Montage Development Consultants. With funding and support from the federal government, the Burquitlam Senior Housing Society will add 18 accessible units to the building, as well as completing deep energy retrofits to all units. The retrofits include new double-glazed windows in all units and common areas, installation of heat pumps to provide heating and cooling for residents, low flow water systems for water conservation, which will result in an overall reduction in GHG emissions of 95 percent and improve energy efficiency by 60 percent. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "These new homes and renovations are a step in the right direction for seniors living in Coquitlam. Working with the Burquitlam Senior Housing Society allows us to get closer to our goal of providing more affordable housing for Canadians. Ensuring that people have a secure and stable home to age in place helps to build a strong community for everyone." – Jake Sawatzky, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "On behalf of the Burquitlam Senior Housing Society & the Management of L.J. Christmas Apartments, I would like to state that we are humbled to receive this incredible funding to add 18 additional apartments and the energy efficiency renovations. This will help to ensure L J Christmas Apartments will be here to provide viable, affordable housing for seniors for decades to come. Adding improvements including heat pumps, in suite temperature controls, and double-glazed windows will substantially improve our tenant's comfort and well being. We would like to extend a very special Thank you to CMHC." – Bill Cox, Vice President, Burquitlam Senior Housing Society " Working with CMHC, the Burquitlam Senior Housing Society, the City of Coquitlam, and the project team to deliver this transformative project has been the highlight of this last year – achieving outcomes together that nobody thought were possible. CGAH is an incredible funding program for revitalizing aging nonprofit buildings; eliminating carbon emissions, improving qualify of life and climate resiliency, and extending the lifespans of these buildings to another generation of Canadians in need. We could not be more proud to work on this project and hope to bring forward many more." – Rupert Campbell, Principal, Montage Development Consultants Quick facts: The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing affordable and community housing. The AHF is a $14.6-billion National Housing Strategy program that prioritizes housing projects for those who need it most: women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous people, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults. As of March 2025, the federal government had committed $11.99 billion to support the creation of close to 46,000 units and the repair of over 174,000 units through the AHF. The existing New Construction stream is now subdivided into two dedicated sub-streams: a Rapid Housing sub-stream to create shelters, supportive and transitional housing for those in greatest need, and a Community Housing sub-stream to support affordable and mixed-market housing where there are both affordable and market-rent units in a project. The Repair and Renewal stream, has replaced minimum requirements with an approach where projects supporting accessibility and energy efficiency will be prioritized. Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) is providing $1.2 billion to make multi-unit rental housing serving low- and moderate-income households more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. CGAH is a financing program to help community housing providers complete deep energy retrofits on their multi-unit residential buildings, improving their quality and adapting homes to the effects of climate change and extreme weather events leading to deep reductions in energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. CGAH provides contributions for pre-retrofit activities needed to plan, prepare, and apply for retrofit funding as well as forgivable and low-interest loans to help finance building retrofits and activities needed to meet climate objectives. L.J. Christmas Apartments is a non-profit building for independent seniors who are over 60 years of age. Centrally located near Lougheed Mall, L.J. Christmas Apartments is near public transportation, grocery stores, banks, restaurants, medical clinics, seniors' recreation facilities and other amenities. All apartments are rented at affordable rates for seniors on limited incomes, with priority given to residents of Coquitlam. Rents include heat, hot water, electricity and basic cable. Construction is expected to be complete in early 2027. Funding provided for this housing project is as follows: $24.6 million from the federal government, including $21.8 million in Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH) retrofit funding, $130,000 in pre-retrofit funding through CGAH, and $2.7 million through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF). $255,000 from the Burquitlam Senior Housing Society in cash equity $80,000 from Vancity $30,000 from Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for feasibility costs 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 (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows the affordable housing projects developed so far. Since 1971 L.J. Christmas Apartments has provided housing to seniors in Coquitlam. SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
The federal government supports construction of supportive housing for individuals recovering from addiction and homelessness Français
POUCE COUPE, BC, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to address the urgent needs of Canadians. To provide Canadians with increased access to supportive housing, the government today announced an investment of $3 million to expand the North Wind Wellness Centre (NWWC) in Pouce Coupe from 10 beds to 15 beds for addiction treatment and 40 units of supportive housing. The project will provide five early recovery beds, 15 beds in addiction treatment housing, and 40 self-contained supportive homes. The facility will also include The Junction, a recovery-based community centre at the heart of the complex that will serve as a resource hub for those in treatment. The NWWC will deliver a full continuum of addictions recovery services, combining detox, early recovery housing, treatment, and supportive housing through the Addictions Recovery Community Housing (ARCH) model. This model combines First Nations healing traditions with western medicine practices, including coordinated access, live-in treatment supports, and post-recovery supports. Funding provided for this housing project includes: $3 million from the federal government, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation under the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) $19.8 million from the Province through BC Housing's Supportive Housing Fund (SHF) and $1.2 million in annual operating funding. $12 million from a Tripartite investment made by BC Ministry of Health, the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and the federal government through Indigenous Services Canada $4 million from the Northern Health Authority Up to $1 million from the North Wind Wellness Centre through a combination of funding and land contribution $800,000 from the Streetohome Foundation $800,000 from the Streetohome Foundation Other community support was provided by the Treaty 8 Tribal Association, the Peace River Regional District and the Village of Pouce Coupe. Quotes: "Our government is committed to supporting housing for the most vulnerable Canadians. Working with organizations such as the North Wind Wellness Centre ensures that individuals have access to the safe and supportive housing they need on their journey to recovery." – Jake Sawatzky, Member of Parliament for New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville, on behalf of The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure "This groundbreaking marks a meaningful step forward in building a more inclusive and culturally safe health-care system. The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. The North Wind Wellness Centre will provide vital, comprehensive support for people on their healing journey, closer to home and community. It's a powerful example of how we can work together to build services that are rooted in community and focused on wellness." – The Honourable Josie Osborne, Minister of Health for British Columbia " At the North Wind Wellness Centre, people near and around Pouce Couple will be able to get the care and housing they need locally, in the community they know. The centre offers stable, safe homes and continued support after treatment, helping people build a foundation for a healthier life. At the same time, cutting-edge care and services will honour and deepen connections to family, First Nations culture and community." – The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing for British Columbia "Too many people in rural and Indigenous communities face barriers to accessing appropriate addiction care. By building a centre that blends traditional Indigenous wellness with clinical supports, we are helping people heal in a place that feels like home, close to culture, community and care." – Amna Shah, Parliamentary Secretary for Mental Health and Addictions for British Columbia "With the generous support of our funders, the NWWC is proud to establish Canada's first Health and Wellness Centre, pioneering an innovative approach that unites the full continuum of care under one roof with the ARCH model. This integrated model combines withdrawal management, addiction treatment, and assisted recovery housing, providing comprehensive support for individuals on their healing journey. The Northeast Junction—a peer-led central hub—connects all components, fostering a strong sense of community and holistic support." – Isaac Hernandez, Executive Director, North Winds Wellness Centre "This project reflects nearly a decade of cross-sector collaboration, vision, and heart. It began with a commitment to do better—for individuals, for communities, and for future generations. With the collective support of funders including BC Housing, CMHC, FNHA, Northern Health, and Streetohome, we're not just building a facility—we're creating a lifeline, rooted in respect, culture, and long-term recovery." – Rob Turnbull, President and Chief Executive Officer, Streetohome "Treaty 8 Tribal Association has proudly supported NWWC, recognizing that having this facility is a crucial and vital step forward in addressing the needs of our communities. As we continue to navigate this toxic drug crisis together, this facility will represent a shared commitment to resilience, support, and healing. Situated in Pouce Coupe, the Centre will stand on the traditional, ancestral territory of the Treaty 8 First Nations, fostering healing and support for those in need." – Marlene Roy, Executive Director, Treaty 8 Tribal Association "The new North Wind Wellness Centre brings hope to our region. Many families have suffered unendurable losses due to the toxic drug epidemic in our communities. This facility offers a second chance to those struggling with addiction, and reassurance to families that help is close to home." – Danielle Veach, Mayor of Pouce Coupe "The Peace River Regional District is pleased to support the NWWC's new Health and Wellness Centre. This facility will bring a unique approach to addiction recovery services to our region, helping those who have previously had to travel far for this essential support. It will serve people throughout the province as well. We're excited to see this project move forward - it's going to make a real difference for people who need help." Leonard Hiebert, Board Chair, Peace River Regional District Quick facts: The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing affordable and community housing. The AHF is a $14.6-billion National Housing Strategy program that prioritizes housing projects for those who need it most: women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous people, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans and young adults. As of March 2025, the federal government had committed $11.99 billion to support the creation of close to 46,000 units and the repair of over 174,000 units through the AHF. Budget 2024 announced enhancements to the AHF which includes the program being extended from 2025 – 2026 to 2028 – 2029. The existing New Construction stream is now subdivided into two dedicated sub-streams: a Rapid Housing sub-stream to create shelters, supportive and transitional housing for those in greatest need, and a Community Housing sub-stream to support affordable and mixed-market housing where there are both affordable and market-rent units in a project. The Repair and Renewal stream, has replaced minimum requirements with an approach where projects supporting accessibility and energy efficiency will be prioritized. NWWC was established in 1996 to serve Indigenous communities in BC Treaty 8 Territory. The new Centre represents a significant advancement in addiction recovery in Canada, by integrating the entire continuum of care under one roof and combining Western medical practices with Traditional Indigenous healing. 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 (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows the affordable housing projects developed so far. To learn more about NWWC, visit: SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Global News
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Canada election 2025: New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville
See more sharing options Send this page to someone via email Share this item on Twitter Share this item via WhatsApp Share this item on Facebook New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville is a federal riding located in British Columbia. This new riding replaces the previous riding of New Westminster—Burnaby. Voters will decide who will represent New Westminster—Burnaby—Maillardville in British Columbia during the upcoming Canadian election on April 28, 2025. Visit this page on election night for a complete breakdown of up to the minute results. Candidates NDP: Peter Julian (Incumbent) Liberal: Jake Sawatzky Conservative: Indy Panchi Green: Tara Shushtarian Independent: Lourence Almonte Singh
