Affordable housing units to be built in city

News release

NORTH BAY
Nipissing MPP Monique Smith, Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota and North Bay Mayor Victor Fedeli joined forces with the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB) to announce the creation of 35 new affordable housing units in North Bay.

The $5 million project, including $2,450,000 from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing – Strong Start Program will provide 35 townhouse style units including 8 fully accessible units.

The project is sponsored by the Physically Handicapped Adult’s Rehabilitation Association (PHARA) and the units will be occupied by families and single people with lower incomes, and persons with physical disabilities.

“The McGuinty government is committed to ensuring that lower income residents of Ontario have access to safe and affordable housing,” Smith said.

This project represents a significant step in achieving that goal by addressing both the need for more affordable housing and the need for more accessible housing in North Bay.

"By investing in affordable housing, we are strengthening our community,” MP Rota said.

“I am pleased to be working with our provincial and municipal partners to assist citizens of North Bay in need of quality affordable housing.”

Today’s federal and provincial funding will be complemented by the City of North Bay granting a partial exemption of municipal taxes, for a 20 year period, which will result in a potential tax break of $500,000.

“This is a true partnership of all levels of government,” Mayor Fedeli said.

“The City is very pleased to offer $500,000 in property tax relief to assist in the development of 35 units.”

George Maroosis, past Chair of the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board stated,

“The federal/provincial funding that was secured through the efforts of the DNSSAB, will help address the significant need for affordable housing for disabled and low income families. These units will benefit all communities in the District of Nipissing by increasing the supply and easing the pressure on the District of Nipissing affordable housing waiting list.”

The supportive housing program, provided through PHARA, will work with all community health sector partners – Near North Community Care Access Centre, hospitals, long term care homes and other community support providers to provide the 8 accessible units with personal support services for persons with physical disabilities.

These services allow someone to live independently and to remain an active member of their community.

“This new housing program helps to meet the need of affordable housing in the community as well as providing much needed supportive housing opportunities, said John Balfe, Vice Chair of PHARA.

“I would like to thank the provincial, federal and municipal governments for working together to make this project a reality.”

The federal-provincial agreement, signed on April 29, 2005, includes a commitment of $301 million from each of the federal and provincial governments.

With this commitment, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will have invested $734 million over the life of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement, to assist some 20,000 Ontario households.