Latest news with #RapidHousingInitiative
Cision Canada
a day ago
- Business
- Cision Canada
Official opening of a new supportive housing project for adults with intellectual disabilities
MERCIER, QC, Aug. 15, 2025 /CNW/ - Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services, highlighted today, as part of his tour of Montérégie-Ouest, the official opening of Chez Nous Solidaire, an innovative 19-unit project that will provide supportive housing adapted to the needs of people living with a mild to moderate intellectual disability, with or without autism spectrum disorder. This new built-to-measure resource aims to offer its clientele a stable, secure and permanent living environment, with the goal of increasing their independence and social inclusion. The project is made up of individual apartments and will therefore offer occupants an environment conducive to their development and to sustaining their acquired skills. Equitable and personalized support services will also be available, and subsidized rent will help to increase occupants' housing stability. The Quebec government is injecting a total of nearly $4.2 million, including more than $1.8 million from the Société d'habitation du Québec, which is also backing the mortgage taken out by the organization. In total, the Ministry of Health and Social Services is providing recurring annual funding of $726,000. The new recurring budget of $300,000 announced complements the $150,000 that was granted in 2019 by the MSSS. In addition, $276,000 allocated by the CISSSMO covers the full amount required to operate the clinical services. For the current year, until March 31, 2026, the $526,000 in funding will cover the first six months of the project's start-up. These amounts will enable the organization to provide support, guidance, and social integration activities for tenants in collaboration with professionals from the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de la Montérégie-Ouest. The Government of Canada is contributing nearly $3.7 million to the project through the Second Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative. Quotes: "I am delighted to see this promising project become a reality. The result of exemplary collaboration with our partners in Montérégie-Ouest, it is a testament to our government's commitment to fostering the independence, inclusion and dignity of people living with a mild to moderate intellectual disability, with or without autism spectrum disorder, everywhere in Quebec. Providing housing adapted to this clientele will help enrich their lives, make them more secure and allow them to thrive in an environment where they can build a future that will let them reach their full potential." Lionel Carmant, Quebec Minister Responsible for Social Services "The federal government is proud to have participated in this project, which promotes the independence and integration of people living with moderate to mild intellectual disabilities, with or without autism spectrum disorder. In collaboration with the Government of Quebec, we are helping to build a stronger community and a more inclusive Canada for all." The Honorable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature) and Member of Parliament for Châteauguay–Les Jardins-de-Napierville "I am proud to witness the completion of such an important project for our community in Châteauguay and all of Montérégie-Ouest. This project is proof of our collective commitment to building a more inclusive society where everyone belongs, can thrive and can contribute fully to the vitality of the community. Thank you to all of the partners who came together to make this wonderful project a reality." Marie-Belle Gendron, Member of the National Assembly for Châteauguay and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Families Highlights: This housing project was built for people aged 18 and over diagnosed with or whose functioning is consistent with having a mild to moderate intellectual disability, with or without autism spectrum disorder, able to live independently in an apartment with a form of supervision, if necessary. The project was led by the CISSS de la Montérégie‑Ouest, which will take on a central role in both the financial and clinical aspects of the project, and was completed with the collaboration of the organization Chez Nous Solidaire, which provides supportive housing to this clientele. SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Hamilton Spectator
09-07-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Duchesnay Elders' Lodge strengthens community care
Nipissing First Nation (NFN) has opened a new Elder's Lodge in Duchesnay. The facility provides 10 assisted living units, and offers round-the-clock staffing, meal services, cleaning, with the possibility of personal care through Home and Community Care staff. In a release, NFN noted, 'The new facility will provide much-needed assisted living units that allow NFN Elders to remain in their home community, surrounded by culture, family and familiar spaces.' Yvette Bellefeuille, a NFN councillor, emphasized, 'This project has been decades in the making. The vision has evolved over the years, but the goal has always been the same – to keep our Elders close to home, in a space that reflects their culture and importance to our Nation.' Nipissing First Nation held an official opening on June 30 at 530 Couchie Memorial Drive that drew around 70 attendees. The project was made possible by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Rapid Housing Initiative, which provided $6.85 million for the project in 2023. Donna Dodgson, CEO of NFN noted, 'This is more than a building. It is the result of listening to our members and responding to the gaps they identified. With support from CMHC, we've created a place of dignity, connection, and care for our Elders.' David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Cision Canada
19-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Official opening of the Résidence de l'Ancrage in L'Isle-Verte: 20 social and affordable housing units for seniors Français
L'ISLE-VERTE, QC, June 19, 2025 /CNW/ - The governments of Quebec and Canada, the Municipality of L'Isle-Verte and the Corporation Les amis des ainés de L'Isle-Verte today marked the official opening of the Résidence de l'Ancrage, a 20-unit social and affordable housing project for semi-independent seniors in L'Isle-Verte. This project required a total investment of over $12.4 million. The event was attended by Sonia Bélanger, Quebec Minister Responsible for Seniors and Minister for Health, on behalf of France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing; Amélie Dionne, Member of the National Assembly for Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education; Ginette Caron, Mayor of L'Isle-Verte; and Daniel Gauthier, President of the Corporation Les amis des ainés de L'Isle-Verte. The Government of Quebec contributed more than $5.6 million through the Société d'habitation du Québec (SHQ) for construction of the building. The SHQ is also securing the corporation's mortgage loan. The Government of Canada contributed $5.1 million through the second Canada-Quebec Rapid Housing Initiative Agreement. The Municipality of L'Isle-Verte granted the corporation a 35-year tax credit worth a total of $1.2 million. Quotes: "Our government is sparing no effort to ensure that more Quebecers are able to enjoy a quality living environment. Our financial contribution to this project, which is especially important to the L'Isle-Verte community, enables semi-independent seniors to continue to stay in their community, close to their loved ones. We are constantly investing in new affordable housing, across all regions of Quebec and all groups." France-Élaine Duranceau, Quebec Minister Responsible for Housing "Thanks to the Canada-Quebec Agreement on the Rapid Housing Initiative, our government is tackling the housing crisis across the country. The Résidence de l'Ancrage is a perfect example of how all levels of government are working together to build more affordable housing and strengthen communities." The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure "I'm delighted to have inaugurated this new seniors' residence. This moment, while hopeful, also reminds us of the tragedy that occurred nearby eleven years ago. Since then, our government has put in place a number of measures to ensure safer living environments. Thanks to the commitment of all our partners, today's residents and their loved ones can count on a safe and welcoming environment." Sonia Bélanger, Quebec Minister Responsible for Seniors and Minister for Health "I'm delighted to be able to inaugurate this new living environment not only for the seniors of the L'Isle-Verte community, but also for the entire riding. A project of this magnitude would not be possible without an exceptional level of mobilization. In addition to the Corporation Les Amis des Aînés, I would like to highlight the essential contribution of the Municipality of L'Isle-Verte, as well as that of the partners who believed in this project and contributed to its success. This new environment represents a precious legacy for our community and an important step towards better support for our seniors." Amélie Dionne, Member of the National Assembly for Rivière-du-Loup–Témiscouata and and Vice-Chair of the Committee on Culture and Education "The Résidence de l'Ancrage is much more than a building: it's a place of comfort, dignity and closeness for our seniors. The Municipality of L'Isle-Verte is proud to have contributed to this promising project, which meets a real need in our community. I would like to thank all the partners who have worked with heart and determination to make this warm and adapted living environment a reality, enabling our citizens to age at home, in their own environment." Ginette Caron, Mayor of L'Isle-Verte "The inauguration of the Résidence de l'Ancrage marks the culmination of a dream we've been pursuing together for several years. Offering our seniors a safe, affordable and warm living environment, right here in L'Isle-Verte, was at the heart of our concerns. This project is the fruit of exceptional mobilization, a deep attachment to our seniors and a collaborative effort with committed partners. On behalf of Corporation Les Amis des Aînés, I sincerely thank the Municipality, the governments of Quebec and Canada, and all those who believed in this project and contributed to its realization." Daniel Gauthier, President of the Corporation Les amis des ainés de L'Isle-Verte Highlights: Up to 16 of the 20 households at the Résidence de l'Ancrage are eligible for the Société d'habitation du Québec's (SHQ) Rent Supplement Program, ensuring that they spend no more than 25% of their income on rent. This additional assistance is covered by the SHQ (90%) and the Municipality of L'Isle-Verte (10%). Caisse Desjardins de Viger et Villeray contributed $100,000 to this project. About the Société d'habitation du Québec As a leader in housing, the SHQ's mission is to meet the housing needs of Quebecers through its expertise and services to citizens. It does this by providing affordable and low-rental housing and offering a range of assistance programs to support the construction, renovation and adaptation of homes, and access to homeownership. To find out more about its activities, visit About Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 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. Its mortgage insurance products support access to home ownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. CMHC actively supports the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. CMHC research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, it contributes to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Canada Standard
08-05-2025
- Business
- Canada Standard
How Canada can turn tariff tensions into a global affordable housing alliance
Canada is facing a worsening housing crisis. Home prices have exploded, with 45 per cent of Canadians saying they are deeply worried about finding affordable housing. The country needs to build an additional 3.5 million homes by 2030 to achieve housing affordability. However, housing supply is lagging well behind that target even as demand continues to rise, driven largely by population growth and immigration. Read more: Canada's housing crisis: Innovative tech must come with policy reform Into this crisis have come new costs. In March 2025, the United States imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum imports. Canada immediately hit back with its own 25 per cent duties on U.S. steel and aluminum, affecting roughly $12.6 billion of steel and $3 billion of aluminum goods. In practical terms, that means higher costs for key building materials like steel beams, aluminum cladding, appliances and machinery. Industry groups say these duties will drive up the price of new construction and further erode affordability. In a market already strained, adding tariff charges is like pouring salt on an open wound: it makes every new home more expensive to build and to buy. Modern methods of construction, such as modular and prefabricated housing, are a promising answer to the housing shortage. These methods involve large components of houses being produced in factories and assembled at their final location. Factory-built housing can be done about 50 per cent faster and up to 35 per cent cheaper than site-built homes. Importantly, this speed and affordability do not come at the expense of quality or energy performance. Canadian-built modular homes achieve top efficiency ratings and reach net-zero energy while frequently delivering superior performance compared to site-built homes. They are also greener, as controlled factory processes produce far less waste. In Japan, modular factories produce over 15 per cent of all new housing. Sweden's construction industry heavily relies on prefabricated construction as well; it is present in approximately 84 per cent of detached houses. Other countries are rapidly scaling up modern construction methods. Singapore mandates every public housing project to use modular techniques because this enables mass apartment production with efficiency. The combination of expensive labour costs and immediate housing needs makes Australia, the United Kingdom and parts of the United States optimal markets for modular construction expansion. Canada has key advantages that make it well suited to expand modular and prefabricated housing. In particular, it has a strong forest products sector for supplying wood panels and engineered timber, a skilled construction and technology workforce and a growing policy drive for lower-carbon building. Canadian builders have already shown they can deliver modular housing at scale. Launched in 2020, Canada's Rapid Housing Initiative committed $1 billion to modular projects, followed by another $1.5 billion in 2021 to quickly house vulnerable populations. The Rapid Housing Initiative exceeded its target, creating nearly 4,700 new homes in short order. It proved that factory-built housing can be both fast and high-quality in Canada. Canada has the opportunity to build on that success. The 2024 federal budget created a Homebuilding Technology and Innovation Fund aimed at expanding prefabricated housing. It set aside $50 million through Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (to be matched by industry) and up to $500 million in low-cost loans from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for prefabricated apartment projects. Prime Minister Mark Carney has also shown interest in modular and prefabricated housing technologies to create sustained demand. Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia are focusing on modular construction to cut red tape and better understand how to expand it. Canada's National Research Council is also consulting on aligning building codes and inspections for factory-built homes with the help of Canadian universities. As Canada faces a deepening housing crisis, it has the opportunity to turn today's tariff tensions into deeper international partnerships. By forming an international affordable housing consortium, Canada could collaborate with countries that have succeeded in modern construction methods, like Sweden, Japan, Australia and Germany, to share knowledge. Together, these nations could harmonize building standards and invest in research. Here are five practical moves Canada can take to build this global modular housing alliance: 1. Create a zero-tariff modular homes club. Canada should use the trade tools it already has, like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, to eliminate most tariffs with the European Union and Asian countries. Canada should negotiate an add-on protocol that lets modular components, such as panels and factory equipment, cross borders without tariffs. 2. Launch a joint show-home projects in partner countries. We propose a "FastBuild 1000 initiative" initiative that would see each member nation commit to building a minimum of 1,000 modular homes. Pilot sites could include Vancouver, Sydney, Hamburg and Osaka - urban centres in countries already familiar with modern construction techniques. Engineers could travel across countries to test how modules fit different climates and design codes, while giving factories steady orders. 3. Pool global buying power for materials and appliances. Canada and its partners could form a modular materials co-operative that bundles steel, engineered timber, heat pumps and windows. The proposed system should leverage economies of scale in factory production to make the final product much cheaper. 4. Open-source designs and one-click certifications. Ottawa's catalogue of pre-approved housing designs could be expanded into a global online catalogue where partner countries can download and adapt pre-existing designs while keeping the structure safe and secure. Simplified, one-click certification would help speed up approvals across borders. 5. Create a 'modular skills passport' and research and development hub. Canadian universities and colleges could train workers through micro-credentials in areas like offsite manufacturing, digital construction, robotics, penalization and on-site assembly. Some countries like Japan have a huge prefabrication industry valued at over $24 billion. Linking research and development would give Canada access to the latest technologies while offering partner countries entry into the Canadian construction sector. By investing in this kind of international collaboration, Canada can address its domestic housing crisis while leading a fast, green housing revolution that makes homes affordable worldwide.
Yahoo
26-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Federal government invests in 22,417 homes in Ontario
OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 26, 2025 /CNW/ - Today, the Government of Canada announced more than $2.1 billion in contributions and low-cost repayable loans to build and repair 22,417 homes through 234 housing projects located across different municipalities in Ontario. These projects are supported through various initiatives under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and aim to address needs across the housing continuum for diverse communities, prioritizing Ontario's most vulnerable populations. The funding announced today includes: $305,726,435 in loans and $129,556,363 in contribution through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), which will help create 2,319 new units and repair 1,047 units across 38 projects. $118,750 in loans and $96,277,828 in contribution through the Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF), which will help create 3,671 new units across 7 projects. $1,444,846,000 in loans through the Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP), which will help create 3,306 new rental units across 15 projects, with affordability conditions. $7,890,445 in loans and $38,790,919 in contribution through the Canada Greener Affordable Housing (CGAH), which will help repair 10,615 units across 161 projects. $85,813,344 in contribution through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI), which will help create 246 new units and repair 45 units through 11 projects. $9,949,984 in contribution through the Federal Lands Initiative (FLI), which will help create 1,168 new units across two projects. Through investments like these, the federal government is working to end the housing crisis, so that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home today – and so future generations have the same opportunity to rent or own a place of their own as generations that came before them. Project-specific details will be announced locally in the coming weeks. Quotes: "The market alone won't deliver the housing affordability we need. These projects represent major progress in returning a strong federal role to affordable and non-market housing. It's now time to double down on that commitment." – The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Quick Facts: Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly at The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion to support the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of over 297,000 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. The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.6 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. As of September 2024, the Government of Canada has committed $10.34 billion to support the creation of over 40,000 units and the repair of over 166,000 units through the Affordable Housing Fund. Budget 2024 announced enhancements to the AHF which includes the program being extended from 2025 – 26 to 2028 – 2029. The existing New Construction Stream is now divided into two dedicated sub-streams: a Rapid Housing Sub-Stream for the creation of shelters, supportive and transitional housing for those in greatest need, and a dedicated 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. The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the NHS. It provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. With its third phase, launched in 2022, the Rapid Housing Initiative once again exceeded targets. It is expected that with this phase over 5,200 new homes will be created, of which almost half will be for women and one third will be for Indigenous Peoples. The total number of units created with the support of Rapid Housing Initiative is expected to be over 16,000 units. The program is now closed. The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, Veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees. The $55 billion Apartment Construction Loan Program (ACLP) is providing low-cost financing to support more than 131,000 new rental homes across Canada by 2031 – 32. 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 September 2024, CMHC has committed $20.65 billion in loans through ACLP to support the creation of more than 53,000 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 – 28 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. The Federal Lands Initiative (FLI) is an over $318 million fund that supports the transfer of surplus federal lands and buildings to be used as affordable housing. The FLI is a National Housing Strategy initiative delivered by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Housing Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC), Public Service and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and Canada Lands Company (CLC). The Affordable Housing Innovation Fund (AHIF) is providing $615.5 million for projects that showcase new funding models and innovative building techniques. The investment is expected to support the construction of over 29,000 new affordable housing units over six years. The Canada 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. Funding has been provided to 158 Ontario housing providers to complete pre-retrofit activities and assess their eligibility to undertake deep energy retrofit projects. Additional Information: Visit for the most requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC's aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook. To find out more about the National Housing Strategy, please visit SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
