| October 14, 2009 Surrey Social Housing Benefits From B.C. - Canada Partnership SURREY – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia announced today more than $15.4 million as part of a cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP). The joint agreement will provide funding to renovate and retrofit Surrey social housing where necessary, creating jobs and helping those most in need. “The HRP is an important initiative ensuring those who need support get it on a daily basis,” says Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer. “It will improve social housing while enhancing the standard of living of our homeless.” “All levels of government and community groups must work together to provide necessary social housing,” says Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon. “This investment is a great addition to the 702 units we’ve successfully created in Surrey over the last eight years.” “This is Homelessness Action Week and what better way to take action than investing and improving the services that mean so much to those in need,” says Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux. “This project is just one example of what our government is doing to support social housing across the country,” says Fleetwood-Port Kells MP Nina Grewal. “We are delivering funding that will help to improve the quality of life for residents living in social housing and ensure residents can continue to live independently in their own communities.” “I am pleased to be a part of this announcement today that will see millions of dollars invested into our community to assist those who are most in need,” says Surrey North MP Dona Cadman. “By investing more than $15.4 million dollars into social housing in Surrey, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia are continuing our strong and collaborative working relationship, while delivering real results for Surrey residents.” "These targeted investments are part of our plan to help vulnerable Canadians, including seniors and persons with disabilities, by improving the quality and energy efficiency of their homes while creating spin off jobs in construction and other industries," says South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale MP Russ Hiebert. The following social housing developments will receive funding for repairs and renovations, focusing on a variety of upgrades: • $5,811,467 to the Ted Kuhn Tower 1 for energy retrofit, building envelope, and sustainability projects. • $5,265,540 to the Ted Kuhn Extension for energy retrofit, building envelop, repiping, sprinklers, and sustainability projects. • $2,841,720 to Len Shepherd Manor for energy retrofit, fire protection, mechanical, electrical and sustainability projects. • $1,002,960 to the Kekinow - 121st Street development for sustainability and building envelope projects. • $500,000 to Jessica Place for mechanical projects, window replacement and sustainability. Of the total $176.76 million announced, the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels. The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. -30- | |
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