Seniors in the Steinbach area have access to more quality affordable housing with the official opening today of Bridgepark Manor, a 52-unit apartment project supported by more than $3.06 million in joint funding from the governments of Canada and Manitoba.
The announcement was made by the Honourable Vic Toews, Minister of Public Safety, Regional Minister for Manitoba and Member of Parliament for Provencher, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Ron Lemieux, Minister of Local Government on behalf of the Honourable Kerri Irvin-Ross, Minister of Housing and Community Development.
“Our government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need. That’s why we are proud to have invested in this housing project in Steinbach,” said Minister Toews. “The new units are safe and affordable, and help to enhance the lives of seniors who call them home.”
“This development is an example of governments and community coming together to create quality, affordable housing that will not only have a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors but also play a key role in making a great community even better,” said Minister Lemieux. “Our government continues to invest in affordable housing to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most.”
Bridgepark Manor is designed to support and enhance independent and healthy living. The new three-storey building with 52 apartments plus one guest suite, is designed to meet Manitoba Hydro Power Smart Design standards, including enhanced energy efficient standards for insulation, windows, lighting and electrical systems. All suites have been designed to be fully accessible for seniors.
Rents are set at the current median market rents for the Steinbach area. As well, up to 10 units will receive rent supplements.
The funding was made available through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment of $158 million under the amended Canada-Manitoba Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 615,000 households living in existing social housing. In Manitoba, this represents some 41,250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
Through Manitoba’s Long-Term Housing Strategy, HOMEWorks! which was introduced in 2009, the Province of Manitoba, with the financial assistance of the Government of Canada continues to make significant investments in the development of social and affordable housing. The province promised the delivery of 1,500 affordable housing units across the province and has already committed to the development of over 900 units. HOMEWorks! supports ALL Aboard, Manitoba’s Poverty Reduction strategy by increasing the supply of quality, affordable housing for low-income Manitobans. More information about HOMEWorks! is available at www.gov.mb.ca/housing.
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-schl.gc.ca.
