Latest news with #housingprojects
CBC
21-05-2025
- Politics
- CBC
London councillor's transparency concerns with homelessness plan rebuffed by committee
Social Sharing A London city councillor's push for clarity about the community stakeholders involved in London's response to homelessness was shot down by a council committee on Tuesday. In a letter to the community and protective services committee (CAPS), Ward 4 Coun. Susan Stevenson expressed frustration about the lack of information about those involved in the whole of community system response to homelessness. The city has said more than 200 people, representing over 70 local organizations, contributed to the response. However, Stevenson's main issue was with a collaborative component of the plan responsible for guiding its implementation. In a quarterly update last month, city staff said three highly supportive housing projects, totalling 211 units, had been endorsed by members of the strategy and accountability table. Capital funding would come from the Fund for Change and other federal housing programs. "Council and the public do not know who the members of this strategy and accountability table are," Stevenson's letter to the committee reads. Stevenson is not a sitting member of CAPS. "We do not know how many members are in this committee, nor which of the 70 organizations that make up the (response) are represented. We do not know what the vote count was or if any concerns were expressed during that endorsement process." Stevenson sat in on Tuesday's meeting and voiced annoyance that she asked for the locations of the three projects but was rebuffed and told they would be announced by CMHA and Indwell. CMHA unveiled two sites this month, one on Hill Street and another on Huron Street. "I feel very uncomfortable receiving a report telling me lots of people know about and endorse things happening in our community that matter to neighbourhoods, and their city councillor is not afforded even a confidential briefing," she said. She suggested that staff bring a report back that would include, among others, an organizational chart for the overall homelessness response and a communication plan for the London Community Foundation (LCF), council, and the public. LCF is responsible for disbursing the Fund for Change. The letter also proposed potentially turning the table into a council advisory committee. Stevenson's letter was tabled as a motion by Ward 5 Coun. Jerry Pribil. A motion tabled by Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow recommended the letter be received but that no action be taken. After a lengthy discussion, Trosow's motion passed 3-2, with Pribil and Ward 1 Coun. Hadleigh McAlister opposed. "It's just another indication that any kind of questioning gets shut down," Stevenson said after the meeting. "This is what I've seen from council, is they don't want to know." A list of organizations participating in the homelessness response isn't available online. A list also isn't available for the strategy and accountability table, which Mayor Josh Morgan and the city's budget chair, Elizabeth Peloza, both sit on. One staff report from 2024 describes the table as "made up of community members, local service providers, frontline staff, and representatives of other sectors, including health, justice, indigenous serving organizations, business and others such as the development community." Among its responsibilities is guiding the overall implementation of the whole of community system response. An organizational chart for the whole of community system response could be circulated with council, and are consistent with the strategy and accountability table, Kevin Dickens, deputy city manager for social and health development, told councillors. A review of the table is due June 5, so any list of participants would be outdated soon, he said. The table's votes aren't recorded, and are based around consensus building, which can lead to "robust and sometimes lengthy dialogue." "It means we receive decisions from time to time that we need to make in terms of … revisions on a plan … or when community partners present projects they'd like to proceed with, and they want to bring the community partners along," he said. Responding to Stevenson's frustration over a lack of communication on the housing projects, Dickens noted that the city doesn't own the properties, and no city funds have been given. Speaking virtually, Peloza said communication wasn't always up to the city. "These are independent organizations seeking funding through provincial and federal means. If the city's not the issuers of an RFP, we're not going to get the information until shortly before it's public," she said. Ferreira likened it to opening up a gym. "If I don't need to have a zoning change and I don't need money from the city to help me open that gym, then I can open the gym," he said. City staff said they would advocate for third-party organizations to share in advance wherever possible, but ultimately, the organizations would have to be willing. Later in the meeting, councillors voted 5-0 to authorize and approve $5.17 million in capital grants for CMHA's Hill Street and Huron Street projects from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund. The matter goes for a vote before full council on June 3.
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
CMHA confronted by Stevenson's skepticism about supportive housing project
The CMHA says two new housing projects will fit into the neighbourhoods selected, but a councillor is skeptical. CTV London's Daryl Newcombe reports.
The National
14-05-2025
- Health
- The National
Sheikh Hamdan reviews progress of four housing projects in Dubai
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, on Wednesday reviewed the progress of four housing projects across the emirate. He inspected sites in Wadi Al Amardi and reviewed plans for other new developments, amounting to 1,100 homes. The three other sites are in Al Aweer, Hatta and Oud Al Muteena, with a total investment of Dh2 billion. 'We approved modern housing designs that align with Emirati families' aspirations, featuring well-planned communities with essential infrastructure and services,' Sheikh Hamdan wrote in a post on X. He added that the projects are in line with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment's work to support Emirati well-being. On Tuesday, Sheikh Hamdan chaired a meeting of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizens Affairs in Dubai. During the meeting he announced that 426 citizens in the emirate would be exempted from housing loan payments worth a total of Dh146 million. He also announced the launch of the Thukhr initiative, which will honour Dubai's retirees for their contributions to the emirate. He later witnessed the launch of the Barwa programme. An initiative developed by the Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority, it aims to empower senior citizens and those with disabilities to manage their properties independently and easily. On Monday, he announced that nurses in Dubai who have completed more than 15 years' service will be rewarded with golden visas. He said nursing staff are at the forefront of the healthcare system and are essential to building a healthier society. Sheikh Hamdan also praised their dedication to patient care and well-being.
Arabian Business
09-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi approves $22.5bn housing projects
Abu Dhabi has approved AED82.7bn ($22.5bn) of housing projects as it looks to enhance the real estate sector and family stability. Under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has approved 14 new integrated housing projects across the emirate. The projects will deliver 35,000 new housing benefits over the next five years, including 26,000 residential units for Abu Dhabi citizens, with a total budget of AED82.7bn ($22.5bn), in addition to the development of approximately 9,000 residential land plots. Abu Dhabi real estate In line with the leadership's commitment to further enhance family stability and ensure social welfare, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a series of additional benefits to the housing loans ecosystem. These include a community support subsidy of AED250,000 ($68,000) to be automatically and retroactively deducted from the total loan amount for all housing loans totalling AED1.75m ($476,500), as per the 2023 housing benefits policy. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed also approved the extension of loan repayment periods to up to 30 years, helping to reduce monthly instalment amounts. Further flexibility will be introduced in determining monthly repayment values, which will now be adjusted based on the beneficiary's monthly income, taking into consideration any changes in financial circumstances after the loan is issued. Additionally, a deferred-payment home purchase loan will be introduced for low-income citizens aged 25 to 45, enabling them to choose from a wider range of available housing options. Citizens above the age of 45 will be eligible for ready-built home grants from the capital projects. Citizens will also be exempt from fees related to mutually agreed land plot swaps, to facilitate the exchange process and support stronger community and family bonds. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: 'We extend our sincerest gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their generous directives and continued commitment to the wellbeing of Emirati citizens, and for strengthening family stability and social cohesion through the provision of high-quality housing.' Hamad Hareb Al Muhairi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, said: 'We extend our gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for these directives that will have a lasting positive impact on the lives of Emirati families, aligning with the goals of the 'Year of Community' initiative, which promotes social cohesion and underscores the importance of quality housing in building a strong and tight-knit society.' He added: 'The AED250,000 community support deduction will be applied automatically to all eligible housing loan beneficiaries. In addition, the new monthly deduction policy will be implemented on all housing loans issued after 2015, with a cap of 10 per cent of total income and a maximum monthly payment of AED10,000. 'This new policy, designed in line with the leadership's direction to ease financial burdens on citizens, will come into effect in September 2025.'
The National
09-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Sheikh Khaled approves 14 new Abu Dhabi housing projects in Dh82 billion plan
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on Friday approved 14 integrated housing projects across the emirate. These projects will involve the construction of 26,000 houses over the next five years, alongside the development of 9,000 residential land plots. The total budget is Dh82.7 billion and contributes towards the government's Year of Community drive. In line with the government's commitment to support family stability and social welfare, Sheikh Khaled also approved a series of benefits to the housing loans system. These include a community support subsidy of Dh250,000 to be automatically and retroactively deducted from the total loan amount for all housing loans totalling Dh1.75 million. He also approved the extension of loan repayment periods to up to 30 years. Further flexibility will be introduced in determining monthly repayment values, which will now be adjusted based on monthly income. A deferred-payment home purchase loan will also be introduced for low-income citizens aged 25 to 45, while those above the age of 45 will be eligible for ready-built home grants. In addition, citizens will be exempt from fees related to mutually agreed land plot swaps. Announced in January by President Sheikh Mohamed, 2025 was declared the Year of Community in support of a national drive to promote unity and inclusion across society. In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed urged 'all those who call the UAE home' to contribute towards 'improving your community and ensuring that our nation remains an inspiring model of progress and prosperity'. Under the slogan Hand in Hand, the national initiative reflects the leadership's vision to foster a united and empowered community. 'Hand in hand, we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth,' Sheikh Mohamed wrote. The initiative is being overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed, Deputy Chairwoman of the Presidential Court for National Projects.
