Canadian Social Housing Observer

YWCA Launches National Action Day

2010-12-03T11:30:00.003-05:00

The YWCA of Canada has marked December 3rd as a 'National Action Day' to meet with your Member of Parliament at their constituency office to discuss the impact of violence against women and homelessness, and urge action to establish a National Housing Strategy for women. Women who suffer domestic violence are often forced out of their homes either directly by their abuser, or voluntarily leave to try and escape the abuse. Too often victims of domestic abuse have nowhere to go, ending up on local streets that can soon become as dangerous as their abusers back home. Says YWCA CEO Paulette Senior:

' For women, life on the street ranges from dangerous to deadly. Every year in Canada, 100,000 abused women and children leave their homes for emergency women's shelters. Many young women and women with mental health and addiction issues never make it to shelter at all. They struggle on the streets of our cities, in poverty and vulnerable to sexual harassment, violence and murder'.

In partnership with the YWCA's broader 'White Ribbon Campaign', the world's largest movement of men working to end violence against women, the National Action Day calls on all Canadians to contact their local MP and discuss how to end violence against women and homelessness. Parliament does not sit on Fridays, freeing MPs to meet with their local constituents through appointments. For more information on how you can help, please visit:

www.whiteribbon.ca/nationalactionday

Renovated Affordable Housing Project Officially Re-opens in Hamilton, Ontario

2010-11-21T11:56:00.003-05:00

Hamilton's 'Prinzen Flats' affordable housing development officially re-opened on Thursday (November 18th) after a $1.1 million renovation, much to the delight of tenants and landlord Homestead Christian Care. The renovation project was made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan which provided $750,000 of the total cost through its social housing Renovation and Retrofit program. Homestead Christian Care contributed $350,000 towards the renovation through community fundraising efforts.

Prinzen Flats now offers 43 newly renovated apartments at affordable rents to the Hamilton community. Homestead Christian Care Director of Operations Jeffrey Neven expressed his satisfaction that renovations were complete:

"At Homestead Christian Care, our motto is Hope and Homes. As such, we're committed to fostering hope and enabling our tenants to live well. Quality, safe and affordable housing is essential for all of us - with that foundation, we can overcome other challenges and meaningfully contribute to our community."

Operating since 1974, Homestead Christian Care has made significant contributions to the local Hamilton community. Homestead offers individuals suffering from mental illness a wide variety of programs at several locations across Hamilton. They continue to expand their services, recently being awarded a $5.29 million grant from CMHC to develop 46 new independent-living apartments.

To learn more about Homestead Christian Care, its renovation project and upcoming developments, visit their website: http://www.hscc.ca/index.asp

'At risk' of being homeless similarly detrimental to health as actual homelessness, new study finds

2010-11-19T13:34:00.005-05:00

The links between homelessness and health issues have been well documented, however a new report suggests that Canadians at risk of becoming homeless may suffer from similar health concerns. The Health and Housing in Transition study tracked 1200 homeless people and those considered to be 'at risk' of becoming homeless (individuals who have been homeless or moved at least twice in the past year) for a year and found both groups to suffer from similar health concerns. A lack of food and nutrition, combined with pre-existing health conditions that may impede their ability to work and function within broader society, were found within both homeless individuals and those at risk of becoming homeless.

The report's findings emphasize what many homelessness and housing advocates have been saying for years: Homelessness and affordability issues, and the resultant physical and mental health problems for Canadians living in these conditions, do not exist only on the streets, but are often hidden from plain sight - in people's living rooms, in multiple occupancy apartments - anywhere where Canadians are at risk of becoming homeless. The report stresses that on any given night in Canada, for every one person sleeping in a shelter, 23 more live with the stress of housing vulnerability and the risk of soon becoming homeless.

The report, entitled 'Housing Vulnerability and Health: Canada's Hidden Emergency' will be discussed today at a research forum on homelessness organized by the Ottawa-based Alliance to End Homelessness. For more information, please visit their website: http://www.endhomelessnessottawa.ca/

Goldcorp donates $5 million Vancouver affordable housing project

2010-11-19T13:00:00.004-05:00

Slated as one of the largest corporate donation to affordable housing in Canadian history, Goldcorp recently donated $5 million to a Vancouver affordable housing project. Launched last May, the affordable housing project is run by local non-profit Streettohome, and once completed plans to add 1000 new affordable housing units across Vancouver. The units are currently in the planning phase.

Goldcorp's donation brings Streettohome half way towards their current capital fundraising goal of $26.5 million. B.C's provincial housing authority and the City of Vancouver will also contribute financially to the project in an attempt to push proposed affordable housing through the pipes to help stem the rising wave of homelessness in Vancouver.

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell stressed the need for ongoing co-operation between the public and private sector to tackle issues of homelessness and affordability. 'Without private sector partners throughout our communities, we would not be successful in meeting our targets. The core of solving the challenges we face is stable housing', he said.

While Goldcorp's generous donation gives Streettohome's campaign a significant boost, the non-profit will continue its fundraising efforts. To learn more about Streettohome's affordable housing initiatives and how you can help, visit their website: http://www.streettohome.org/

Useful Links

2010-10-27T16:06:00.004-04:00

Two useful links I've come across in terms of finding the latest information within Canada's social housing industry are:

http://blog.shscorp.ca/index.php/privacy-policy/

and

http://www.letsparksfly.ca/

Both blogs give valuable insight into recent developments in social housing policy in Canada, and their potential impacts on both residents and social housing operators. Really useful stuff! I'll post a link to them under my 'useful links' section.

Canada's Economic Action Plan: A Short-Term Band-Aid for a Long-Term Housing Crisis

2010-06-08T11:25:00.006-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to present this new piece of work at the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) annual meeting in Regina, SK. Much of the news I report on this site focuses on the new funding available over the past two years for social housing through Canada's Economic Action Plan. Social housing landlords and developers that are awarded this funding are understandably ecstatic at the news, and the reports focus almost exclusively on these happy moments. What is lacking in these reports however is a real discussion about the long-term impacts of this 'action plan', and whether it is a genuinely good solution to Canada's social housing crisis.

Canada's Economic Action Plan

Canada's Economic Action Plan was developed as a direct response to the global recession in late 2008. Reckless lending practices by US mortgage firms translated into significant foreclosure rates in late 2007 and early 2008 as a result of rising interest rates. This in turn led to the bust housing markets across the US, seriously impacting local economies as many members turned to bankruptcy. Investment firms and commercial banks faced huge losses as these risky, sub-prime mortgages, fell into foreclosure. The recession hit almost all developed countries across the globe, particularly the US and the EU. Canada, with almost 80% of its trade tied to US markets, suffered significantly and experienced a sharp increase in unemployment.

To help get some of the unemployed workers back into the job market, the federally funded and administered 'Canada's Economic Action Plan' focused on creating construction jobs. It was hoped that the prosperity would trickle down from these construction jobs into local economies, helping to counteract some of the economic havoc created by the recession. These workers would be able to keep their homes, continue shopping in local stores, and eat at local restaurants, in turn keeping others in the community employed. The Action Plan committed approximately $40 billion in federal aid to help stimulate the Canadian economy. Specifically, around $4 billion of these funds was earmarked to go directly to social and affordable housing providers across the country through two distinct programs: the Social Housing Renovation & Retrofit Program, and Federal-Provincial Housing Agreements: The former providing much-needed financial relief to housing providers that needed to renovate and upgrade their infrastructure to ensure its ongoing physical stability, and the latter distributing funding to groups looking to develop new social and affordable housing projects.

A Short-Term Band-Aid for a Long-Term Housing Crisis

The key goal of Canada's Economic Action Plan was to create jobs and kick start the economy. It is a limited, two-year initiative that will begin to wind down later this year. By February 2010, 92% of all funding had already been committed to projects that will use them by January 2011. Once this program is finished, social housing providers will again be left with the few, meagre funding avenues they had before the Action Plan was put into place two years ago. Without an official housing plan that brings federal, provincial, and municipal funding agencies together, affordable housing landlords will be left scrambling to find ever diminishing amounts of funding to make their projects a reality day-to-day. As it stands in Ontario today, the only viable avenue for funding for new affordable housing projects is the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, that awards a limited number of developers a limited amount of funding on an annual basis. This funding is typically one-off and does not cover ongoing operating costs once the project is up and running. The 'Social Housing Renovation & Retrofit Program' component of Canada's Economic Action Plan was specifically designed to target the so-called 'backlog' of repairs required to maintain the country's social housing stock. Only a lack of sufficient on-going operating costs could have created this backlog in the first place, and without addressing this error in the funding formula for social housing providers, the Action Plan makes very little real progress in improving social housing across Canada.

Limited Funds, for a Limited Time

Perhaps the biggest issue with Canada's Economic Action Plan is that it only provides funding for a two year period, and only to a limited number of social housing providers. Landlords had to compete with others in the area for this limited amount of funding, which put smaller providers at a significant disadvantage, particularly in larger cities where there is greater competition to begin with. Many providers applied both in 2008-09 and 2009-10 and failed to receive funding. With Canada's Economic Action Plan now winding down, it is unlikely they will be able to take advantage of this funding. Moreover these providers, whose social housing buildings are still in dire need of repairs and renovations, will find it difficult, if not impossible, to find funding to actually carry out these repairs. While the funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan will disappear after two years, the need for repairs and the backlog, will not.

Where does this leave us?

So where are social housing providers left now once Canada's Economic Action Plan wraps up its final financial obligations in early 2011? The short answer is that they will return to a situation where their annual operating expenses are increasing, and the funding they receive from provincial and municipal agencies for this purpose is decreasing. They will return to a situation where their operating funding is so low that they cannot afford to undertake necessary maintainance to keep their buildings in fit condition. And they will return to a situation where government funding agencies are unwilling to provide funding to allow them to undertake this maintenance to ensure that the buildings remain in an inhabitable condition. Last year a Toronto social housing project was deemed 'uninhabitable' due to mould, and tenants had to move out. How long will it be until the federal government realizes that it needs to protect the valuable public investments it, and other levels of government, have made in social housing rather than underfund them and let them slowly decay?

As I have stressed, Canada's Economic Action Plan may be winding down, but the ongoing need for new social housing, and the backlog of repairs necessary for the existing social housing stock to remain inhabitable stay with us. Ultimately, the Action Plan is a short-term band-aid for a long term housing crisis. To avoid the growing waiting lists for social housing, and the ever increasing backlog of repairs required on the existing social housing stock, the federal government needs to take back financial responsibility for funding the program. Only strong, stable funding for social housing will ultimately put an end to waiting lists and repair backlogs. It remains a relatively small element in the broader national budget and would make a huge difference not only in the lives of social housing residents, but of entire communities as we see thousands of lives stabilized.

Website Update

2010-06-08T11:22:00.002-04:00

My apologies for the lapse in updates over the past month. A busy work schedule prevented me from regularly updating, but luckily that has now changed meaning the website will again be updated on a daily basis. Thank you for continuing to read the site and contributing to a broader public discussion about Canada's ongoing housing issues.

Toronto Plans 'Affordable' Athlete Village for Pan-Am Games

2010-05-04T07:41:00.004-04:00

In the run-up to the 2015 Pan-Am Games, Toronto officials are toying around with plans for an athletes' village, predicted to be three times the size of the one Vancouver found itself lumbered with after the 2010 Winter Olympics. Planning the athletes' village is complex and risky, as no task of this magnitude has been carried out in Canada before. Usually condo developers raise most of the necessary start-up capital by selling units pre-construction. With the units first being leased out to more than 8000 athletes however, it is not clear whether pre-construction financing is a possibility. Moreover Toronto's housing market is famously over-heated, and developers cannot be certain that demand will actually exist for an additional 2100 waterfront condo units once the games are over.

Then there is the issue of affordability. The 'affordable' component of Vancouver's Athletes' Village became a thorn in the project's side. With developers having to front most of the cost of construction for the village, it becomes very difficult to offer any sort of 'affordable' units - typically financed by pre-construction sales. 'Affordable' units in Vancouver's Athletes' Village have been estimated to cost the local taxpayer $750,000 each - a price tag that Torontonians are likely to balk at.

How then can Toronto make its Athletes' Village work? First, to develop a project of this magnitude within the next five years, the City needs the full support of both the provincial and federal governments. The three levels of government need to work together to swiftly plan and finance the project, rather than let bureaucratic differences, procedures, and paperwork get in the way. Creating a board with significant decision-making power, with representatives from both the public and private sector would perhaps streamline the process. Second, the project needs a clear vision that is easily transmitted to the private sector. How should private developers be involved in the process?

Most importantly however, everyone involved (including taxpayers) needs to acknowledge that building a project of this magnitude may not necessarily be profitable. While spectacles like the Olympics and Pam-Am games offer to give the host city international recognition for a short period of time, their cost typically far exceeds any benefit from increased tourism. What the games can achieve however if the Athletes' Village is properly funded, is to give the city an additional 420 affordable housing units - a small drop in the bucket of the current 12 year waiting list for social housing in Toronto.

Plans for the Athletes' Village are still shaky at best, and in the very early stages of development. What is clear however is that Toronto needs to take control of the project and clearly define how each stakeholder will be involved to ensure that it is completed on time, and relatively on budget. Strong leadership and ownership over the project may not be able to overcome the inherently expensive nature of infrastructure for international-scale spectacles, but it can ensure that the housing is built on time, and on budget, and that Toronto ends up adding to its stock of affordable housing.

Updates to follow.

New Study at York University Makes Link Between Housing and Health

2010-05-03T10:48:00.003-04:00

A new study published by researchers at York University make a clear link between Canadians' health and their housing. Contrary to long-standing opinion, the study suggests that the health care system has very little influence over Canadians' health. Instead, factors like housing, education, and access to nutritious food are primary determinants of our health. The report makes a compelling argument to increase spending on affordable housing and income supports. To access the report, click here: http://www.thecanadianfacts.org.

Daniels' President Honoured for Contributions to Affordable Housing in Toronto

2010-05-03T09:52:00.003-04:00

Mitchell Cohen, president of real estate development firm Daniels, was honoured at a dinner last week for his firm's contribution to affordable housing. Daniels has partnered with Habitat for Humanity over the past eight years to provide affordable homeownership opportunities to Torontonians across the city. In 2006 Daniels donated land for the construction of 10 homes in Etobicoke, the single largest gift of land by a private company to a Habitat affiliate in Canada. Also in Etobicoke, Daniels partnered with Habitat on the group’s first-ever high-rise condominium project. In Scarborough, the company has worked with the Sisters of St. Joseph to build 60 affordable homes.

Despite the good work both Daniels and Habitat for Humanity have achieved over the past eight years, Cohen stressed the ongoing need for affordable housing in Toronto:

“In a time of prosperity in which we all live … it should be so easy, should be straightforward, should be natural for all of us to have a roof over our heads, but it’s not – not even close,” he said. “Well, we can and we must change that. There needs to be a “significant shift in how we think about housing, a shift that will enshrine affordable housing as a fundamental right of all Canadians.”

The dinner raised $620,000 for charity, including Cohen's organization of choice, Habitat for Humanity.

Land Negotiations Break Down for Affordable Housing in Banff, Alberta

2010-04-28T10:21:00.004-04:00

Land negotiations between Parks Canada and the Banff Housing Corporation (BHC) have broken down, meaning it is unlikely the city will move forward with some of its plans to create new affordable housing on the parcel. Parks Canada had the land appraised at $8.15 million, however BHC argues it has reason to believe the appraisal is too high. While Parks Canada says it is unwilling and unable to change the appraised value, BHC says the land is most likely worth $6.5 million. With the appraisal standing, BHC would have to pay $2 million for the land, a price tag they say is too high to make developing affordable housing on the land viable. The remaining money set aside for the project will be redirected into BHC's acquisition of 10 affordable housing units in Peyto Place.

Downtown Eastside Church Plans to Convert Itself Into Social Housing

2010-04-28T09:29:00.004-04:00

Vancouver's Downtown Eastside's First United Church plans to make history through its latest fundraising effort. The church hopes to raise $31 million to convert its building, the church itself, into a social housing complex for local homeless and low income individuals. It's an unorthodox move, but one that the church feels has been a long time coming. Sunday services were cancelled two years ago after congregation numbers dwindled to minuscule levels. The church's minister and staff noticed that while no one was showing up to Sunday services, hundreds of locals would arrive every morning for food and shelter. It was then that the minister made a decision to close the church and convert it into a homeless shelter.

Today up to 350 local homeless people sleep in the church every night. The pews were removed, the organ sold, and the pulpit was put in storage. Bunks now line the floors of the church during the night, and removed at daybreak to make way for a soup kitchen. The shelter is funded in part by the City of Vancouver.

With growing numbers of locals flocking to the church every night for shelter, the First United Church's minister acknowledges that the church's role in the neighbourhood has changed. First founded in 1885, the church traditionally offered spiritual guidance and relief to local residents. In recent years however, the church understands its role more as a provider of physical relief. Individuals with no food and nowhere to live have little need for a sermon. While the actual tasks carried out by the church has changed in recent years, the minister says its commitment to its community remains unwavering.

The First United Church is now looking to make its role as service provider more permanent. The church has launched a fundraising campaign hoping to raise $31 million to convert the old church structure into permanent social housing. The redevelopment plan calls for the existing church to be replaced by a main services and administration building, linked to two housing towers. The image above depicts what the project should look like once complete.

Federal and Provincial funding is yet to fall into place for the project, but the church is hopeful that this will come soon. During the two-year project, the church plans to rent space nearby to continue its role as a local shelter for homeless individuals every night.

“We have always served the needs of the community here, so this is just an extension of what we’ve been doing,” said Sandra Severs, deputy executive minister of the First United Church.

Image: Globe & Mail

YouTube Offers Innovative Service For Non-Profit Organizations

2010-04-26T11:46:00.003-04:00

In the context of diminishing government funding opportunities, and a recession that has seen many major donors reduce their level of financial support, non-profit organizations across Canada are looking for innovative new ways to get their message out. People will only support your organization if they hear about it, and quickly learn what your key goals are. YouTube has developed an innovative solution for non-profits looking to spread the word about the good work they do, and their continued need for financial support. The company's new 'non-profit' initiative allows registered charities in Canada to upload promotional videos onto the website on the dedicated 'non-profit channel'. YouTube also has a number of resources to guide organizations that need help developing and editing a promotional video.

All relevant information about the new opportunity is available here: http://www.youtube.com/nonprofits?info_lang=ca

Maple Ridge, BC, To Develop Affordable Housing Strategy

2010-04-26T11:28:00.004-04:00

Maple Ridge, BC, hopes to soon become one of the many municipalities across Canada taking affordable housing matters into its own hands by developing an affordable housing strategy. Drawing inspiration from nearby Coquitlam, Maple Ridge is looking into developing an affordable housing fund, and a land bank to help encourage new development. It is also looking further afield to encourage all newly constructed single-family units to be finished with a secondary suite. This would ensure a larger supply of basement apartments for lower income families and individuals. In developing the affordable housing strategy, Mike Murray, general manager of the local community development department, is keen to cast the city's net as wide as possible. Municipalities can contribute in a variety of ways, and do not always have to resort to direct funding. As Coquitlam has demonstrated, by-law changes encouraging secondary suites, and donating excess and unused land to a land bank can have a positive impact on affordable housing development.

While Murray acknowledged his disappointment that the Federal government still lacks an affordable housing plan, he is keen that Maple Ridge does everything it can to support new affordable developments. The last time Maple Ridge developed an affordable housing strategy was in 1991, and much has changed since then. Councillors say that residents today are more polarized - the gap between rich and poor has grown significantly, particularly over the past decade. To Mike Murray this is all the more reason why the affordable housing strategy needs urgent attention. Once the strategy has been developed, Maple Ridge will have to submit it to Metro Vancouver.

New Westminister, B.C. Makes Bold New Affordable Housing Plan

Image: Google Maps 2010

Alexandra Park Becomes the Latest Toronto Neighbourhood Slated For Overhaul

2010-04-26T10:48:00.004-04:00

Following in the footsteps of Regent Park, Alexandra Park will soon become Toronto's next social housing neighbourhood to be completely redeveloped. Constructed during the 1960s, a recent neighbourhood study conducted by Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) indicated that many residents were concerned about maintenance and community safety. As it currently stands, the neighbourhood consists primarily of social housing units in townhome and co-op format. While it borders the busy Queen Street and Kensington Market shopping districts, Alexandra Park is largely isolated from the wider urban fabric, with its units turned in on themselves to a central courtyard. Non-residents have little reason to enter the neighbourhood as it currently stands.

TCHC is hoping to address some of these resident concerns by completely redeveloping the neighbourhood. The existing 263 townhouses will be demolished and replaced by 333 new rent-geared-to-income townhomes with more modern architecture and a streetscape that invites outsiders into the neighbourhood. A new community centre will provide local residents with state-of-the-art facilities. The project is being funded in part by the sale of 1100 new condo units slated for the area during the redevelopment. The new buildings will include commercial opportunities, hoping to bring some of the shoppers and visitors that normally congregate along Queen Street West and Kensington Market down through the neighbourhood.

While the redevelopment is seen as being long overdue by many, some residents fear that the changes just aren't for them. One life-long resident expressed concerns about the influx of new residents to the neighbourhood, changing the shape and face of the community. As in Regent Park, the redevelopment will take place in several stages, meaning sections of the community will have to leave the neighbourhood as buildings are demolished and reconstructed. Residents fear that the community they have grown to rely on and call home will be forever changed, frayed, and destroyed.

The redevelopment has yet to be approved, and is expected to go to Council later this week. For more information on the redevelopment project, visit TCHC's website here: http://www.torontohousing.ca/investing_buildings/alexandra_park

Mortgage Changes Expected to Hurt Low-Income Canadians

2010-04-23T08:53:00.003-04:00

Changes to the way that mortgages are administered in Canada took effect April 19th, with many analysts worrying that the new regulations would impact low-income Canadians negatively. Applicants with less than 20% of a down payment on the total value of the property must now meet standards for a five-year fixed-rate mortgage, even if they want a shorter-term variable-rate product. Failure to meet these standards would make it almost impossible for the buyer to qualify for mortgage insurance through CMHC or private firms - necessary if an applicant has less than 20% of a down payment. Experts from TD Bank of Canada expect that the changes will raise the required annual income of a mortgage applicant by about $5000-$8000, out-pricing many lower income Canadians.

Other changes that will impact low-income Canadians include raising the minimum down payment for rental properties from 5% to 20%. This is expected to further constrict the supply of affordable rental units, a market that already faces severe shortages in many cities.

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty explained that the changes intend to protect Canadians from overextending themselves financially. It will also protect CMHC, a government body, from having to insure what Flaherty described as 'speculative' mortgages, and loans that often led to default.

Alberta Renews its Commitment to Affordable Housing Through $6 Million Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

2010-04-23T08:29:00.003-04:00

Alberta's provincial government has renewed its commitment to affordable housing through a $6 million partnership agreement with Habitat for Humanity. The province's commitment will be combined with $12.5 million from Habitat for Humanity to build 68 affordable houses across Alberta in Red Deer, Calgary, Edmonton, Camrose, Olds, Lloydminister, South Peace, and Brooks.

“Alberta’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity gives families access to affordable housing and helps them build equity for the future,” said Jonathan Denis, Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs. “Organizations like Habitat for Humanity operate efficiently, allowing the province to build more affordable housing and help more people.”

The recipients of the new Habitat housing are expected to undertake 500 hours of 'sweat equity' to qualify for a low interest mortgage on the already affordable-priced house. Recipients will typically help build their own house and make a start on others while completing their hours of sweat equity.

The partnership developed through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process initiated by Alberta's provincial government. The province is committed to increasing the number of affordable housing units across Alberta, primarily in partnership with local non-profit organizations. Last fiscal year, the province provided $90.3 million through the Affordable Housing RFP process for the development of 1,075 new affordable units in rural and urban Alberta. This year's budget includes $234 million in capital grants for affordable housing and renewal of existing social housing.

Non-profit organizations, private businesses and municipalities in Alberta are eligible to apply for funds through the RFP process, which accepts proposals in the spring. Applicants may receive up to 65 per cent of capital costs for their proposed development. For more information on affordable housing support in Alberta, visit http://www.housing.alberta.ca/.

Habitat for Humanity Calls On City of Fredericton to Donate Land for Affordable Housing

Canadian Mortgage Firm and Habitat for Humanity Launch Program to Boost Donations

CMHC's Business Plan Helpsheet a Valuable Resource for Non-Profits

2010-04-21T11:06:00.002-04:00

CMHC's 'resource of the month' was released on Monday and may prove to be useful for any non-profit looking to apply for funding. CMHC has published a guide to writing effective Business Plans, an essential document for organizations to not only prove to prospective funding sources that your non-profit has a viable financial future, but also to help staff working towards the same goal. With so many funding avenues, many with certain strings attached and plenty of reporting paperwork, it can often be difficult for organizations to remain focused on their original goal. A business plan helps organizations clearly define their goals, and how they plan to achieve them.

To access the resource, click here.

For more valuable tools for non-profit housing providers, visit CMHC's Affordable Housing Centre.

Vancouver's Plan for Athletes Village Not Half Bad

2010-04-21T10:11:00.005-04:00

The recent staff report from the City of Vancouver recommending half of the originally designated social housing units in the Athletes Village be converted into market-rent housing has met with significant media attention over the past two days. Many housing advocates are rightfully concerned that the public funds used to build the project are in danger of simply subsidizing luxury apartments for Vancouver's elite. Despite the project's escalating costs, converting the units into social housing ensured that taxpayers money would have gone to the city's most needy residents. The Village was originally planned to house 252 social housing units, but with this portion of the project running approximately $50 million over budget, City and Provincial officials are now trying to find ways to recoup some of the money. This week's staff report suggested that half (126) of these units be converted into market rent housing for local essential service workers like fire crews and police.

Creating affordable, market-rent accommodation helps keep the working poor, who may not qualify for social housing, in the city close to their jobs. Converting 126 of the Athletes Village units into market-rent apartments would provide much-needed relief to Vancouver's low-income residents, in a housing market deemed to be one of the least affordable in the world. It is not just social housing residents that need affordable accommodation, it is also a growing army of lower and middle-income workers that are increasingly being priced out of the real estate market. With few rental units constructed since the 1970s in most Canadian cities, many low-wage workers face long commutes from distant suburbs every day just to get to minimum-wage jobs. The long commutes, coupled with long working hours, make it difficult for these workers to spend time with their families and put a strain on communities.

The City's tentative plan then to convert some of the designated social housing units into affordable market-rent accommodation has the potential to help a broader spectrum of low-income Vancouverites. Not only will the social housing sector gain 126 new units, but 126 other low-income workers who do not qualify for subsidized rent will be able to stay in the city. The report suggests the units be reserved for essential service workers - perhaps a misguided suggestion considering the average income for police, fire, and ambulance crews typically earn much higher than minimum wage. Instead, the units should be awarded to low-income workers that play an integral role in keeping Vancouver running - particularly service industry workers.

Vancouver still has a long way to go until the fate of these units is finally decided. The latest staff report indicates a step in the right direction however. It needs to be accepted that with the social housing running over $50 million over budget, the City needs to recoup the money somehow. Renting the units at affordable rates to local workers would not only provide a regular source of income for the City, but would also reach a broader spectrum of low-income residents than traditional social housing is able to.

Vancouver Mayor Still 'Weighing Options' For Athletes Village Social Housing

Home Depot Canada Accepting Funding Applications For Affordable Housing Program

2010-04-21T09:47:00.004-04:00

The Home Depot of Canada has announced it is now accepting funding applications for its Affordable Housing Grant Program. The organization provides grants to non-profits with registered charitable status looking for funding for projects scheduled to begin before December 31st, 2010. Eligible projects include affordable housing unit refurbishments, retrofits and/or build projects that are either built in accordance with recognized sustainable standards or include sustainable building techniques and/or materials. Habitat for Humanity affiliates seeking support for sustainable home builds are not eligible for this program.

The deadline for applications is August 20th, 2010. Please click here for more information and a link to the application.

Sued Downtown Eastside Residents Association Claims Lawsuit Aims to 'Punish' Housing Advocates

2010-04-21T09:25:00.005-04:00

In papers filed in defense of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Residents Association (DERA), lawyers allege that the organization is being sued for speaking out in defense of housing rights. The ultimate goal of the 'frivolous' lawsuit, lawyers claim, is to 'punish' the association's executive director Kim Kerr for his outspoken work in defense of local residents.

“This action has been brought for the improper purpose of punishing the defendants for the outspoken advocacy activities of the defendants DERA and Kerr and as such is frivolous, vexatious and an abuse of this honourable court,” says the statement, filed April 15 in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

The statement of defense was filed in response to a lawsuit filed by BC Housing, the provincial housing authority, that alleges that under Kerr's leadership, DERA misused government funds, allowed clients to skip official waiting lists for social housing, and awarded contracts to insiders. According to lawsuit documents, BC Housing also claims DERA owes the province $40,000 in back rent and taxes. A court date has yet to be set for both sides to air their greivances.

Before the lawsuit, DERA was one of the largest and most successful housing advocacy charities in Vancouver. Founded in 1973, DERA developed a solid reputation for advocating for better housing opportunities for local low-income residents over the years. The organization currently owns and operates approximately 300 social housing units in Vancouver through contracts with BC Housing.

The lawsuit is the culmination of years of tension between DERA and local officials. Provincial complaints about the organization date back to 2006 when allegations of mis-management arose. DERA's charitable status was then revoked in October of 2009 in response to continued complaints about financial mismanagement, as the organization failed to file appropriate financial papers to the Canada Revnue Agency. In Kerr's defense, his lawyer alleges that the Province had full working knowledge of DERA's finances and day-to-day operations since 1998.

BC Housing Minister Keen to Restore Faith in Non-Profit Housing

New Report Recommends Slashing Social Housing in Olympic Village By Half

2010-04-21T08:55:00.004-04:00

The mess and confusion surrounding the fate of Vancouver's Olympic Athletes Village continues. The troubled project was originally slated to house 252 social housing units once the athletes moved out, but facing severe financial difficulties a recent staff report recommended this number is cut by half. The original budget for the social housing component of the project was $64 million, a figure which rose to $110 million once all was said and done. The report recommends that the 126 units no longer designated as social housing should not be sold, but instead leased out at market rent to local essential service workers like fire crews and police. Selling the units would require millions of dollars to renovate them to market standards, money the City and Province just do not have. The logistics of actually developing such a exclusive rental policy were not worked out in the report.

"It's unfortunate that we couldn't have more social housing on the site. The financial realities are forcing us to scale back somewhat," Vancouver Mayor Gregor Roberston told reporters on Tuesday. "It's expensive because between 2006 and 2008, this project went massively overbudget."

The city took over the entire project after its New York-based financiers pulled out during the financial crisis of 2008. The report offers no final solutions to the financial crisis surrounding the Village and its social housing. For now, the future of the units remains uncertain until the Mayor's office makes a final decision about how to proceed.

For background information about the Village and the social housing units originally slated for the project, click on the links below for earlier stories.

Despite No Decision on Social Housing, Olympic Athletes Village Wins 'Green' Award

Vancouver Mayor Still 'Weighing Options' For Athletes Village Social Housing

Non-Profit Networks: The Key to Successful Affordable Housing Provision

2010-04-19T19:03:00.003-04:00

The most frequently reported stories on this blog lately have been the good news about year two of funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan. The almost $1.5 billion in federal funds for new and existing social housing projects has certainly been welcome relief to co-ops and non-profits across Canada in desperate need of stimulus funding to expand their operations or to carry out necessary repairs and renovations. The program has created somewhat of a feeding frenzy, with organizations being put in tough competition for these funds. While I often report the success stories of Canada's Economic Action Plan, there are just as many, if not more, organizations whose applications for funding are turned down. More importantly however, it is easy to forget that this stimulus funding is an unusual blip in the longer lifespan of social housing providers. Since the Federal government downloaded responsibility for social housing to the provinces in the mid-90s, there is quantitatively less money available for providers. In provinces where responsibility for funding social housing has been transferred to municipalities, like Ontario, even less money is available.

What keeps many organizations alive and able to continue doing the admirable work they do in this funding environment, is the tight-knit networks they participate in. Organizations work in collaboration with other local groups to share resources and expertise. Opening their circle up to larger non-profit organizations like the YMCA and United Way of Canada can bring additional funding opportunities that allow social housing providers to offer additional services for their residents.

My latest research is interested in these networks as key tools of survival for non-profit and co-op social housing providers in the context of diminishing government funding. These networks are not only proof of the innovative nature of non-profit housing, with organizations making the best of their situation, but will also give researchers and policy advisers a more clear picture of how the social housing sector functions. I am interested in both the positive and negative aspects of organizational networks - the funding, friendships, and resources that they bring, along with goal dilution, additional paperwork, among many others.

If you have a story you'd like to share with me about the kinds of networks your organization uses to get by and perhaps expand your operations, I would love to hear from you. All information will be kept strictly confidential, as I change all names in my final report for the University of Toronto. Your stories will help contribute to valuable research that will be read by people at all levels in the social housing and policy field. If you would like to share a story and let me know a little bit about the organizations your group affiliates with, please contact me at sally.turner@housingobserver.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Belleville, ON, Co-op Receives $110,000 Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

2010-04-19T18:54:00.003-04:00

The Trent-Moira Co-operative Estates in Belleville, ON, is the latest recipient of funds from Canada's Economic Action Plan. The co-op was awarded $110,000 in funding this week from the Federal government to help upgrade and renovate the aging building. Eligible repairs include upgrading furnaces to make them more energy efficient, replacing insulation and roofing, and other projects that will help keep the co-op in good condition for future generations. Without the funding, the co-op says it would not have been able to afford the necessary repairs, leaving the future of the building in jeopardy. The money will be used to upgrade safety items such as electrical breaker panels, fire doors, emergency lights, and to retrofit kitchen cabinets.

The Government of Canada, through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

For more information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government’s plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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.

CMHC Housing Awards Competition Begins

2010-04-12T11:32:00.003-04:00

CMHC has opened applications for its annual awards, with sixteen up for grabs this year. The awards recognize best practices in private-sector affordable housing initiatives, and can include organizations of any size from large to small. Projects must have fulfilled some affordable housing need in a local community. Applicants must have taken a lead role in the affordable housing project, for example as the land owner, leasee, a principal decision-maker, and/or equity holder. Applications are due this Friday April 16th by 5pm in Ottawa. For more information about the awards, guidelines, and application procedures, visit CMHC's awards website here: http://www.cmhc.ca/en/inpr/graw/hoawpr/index.cfm. Good luck!

New Affordable Seniors Housing Slated for Penticton, B.C.

2010-04-12T11:18:00.004-04:00

By combining funding from Year 2 of Canada's Economic Action Plan, and money from the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement, the City of Penticton, B.C. will soon be home to 58 new affordable housing units for seniors. Construction has now begun on the complex and should be completed within the coming year. Not only will the new project provide much-needed affordable housing to allow seniors to stay in their local community, but it is also expected to generate up to 116 direct and in-direct jobs in town. Penticton Kiwanis Housing Society (PKHS) provided the land, valued at $1.1 million, as well as $1 million in cash equity. PKHS is a non-profit organization providing affordable housing options for seniors in the Penticton area. Penticton is located approximately 45 minutes drive south of Kelowna, B.C, in the Okanagan Valley. The city is one of B.C.'s summer playgrounds.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada’s commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless. It provides a total of $475 million, over two years, to build new rental housing, including $400 million for housing for low-income seniors and $75 million for housing for persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

The Province of British Columbia’s $14-billion capital infrastructure program is creating up to 88,000 jobs, helping to build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province and stimulating local economies across B.C.

For more information on this and other measures in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out how CMHC is working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800 668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

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 $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit http://www.bchousing.org/.

Property Expert Donates Proceeds From Latest Book to Habitat for Humanity

2010-04-12T11:06:00.003-04:00

Author and President of the Real Estate Investment Network (REIN), Don Campbell, has published his latest book '81 Financial and Tax Tips for the Canadian Real Estate Investor', and pledged to donate the proceeds to Habitat for Humanity. Campbell's new book gives smart guidance to any would-be real estate investors to help them get the most out of their investment with as little risk possible. Campbell's pledge to donate the proceeds of the book to Habitat for Humanity acknowledges that many Canadians need help affording their own home, let alone an investment property. Habitat for Humanity will use the funds to finance the construction of affordable homes across Canada.

YWCA Picks Up The Slack From Regina's Housing Affordability Crisis

2010-04-12T10:15:00.005-04:00

Friday's Edmonton Journal tells the story of the YWCA's new temporary housing facility 'My Aunt's House'. Build as a response to the growing affordability problems local residents faced, the complex opened last November and is already close to being full at all time. 'My Aunt's House' can house up to 22 women and children at any given time, and primarily provides temporary shelter to individuals that have difficulty living independently without supports. Since opening its doors in November, the project has housed almost 100 women, often with their young children. These women may not qualify to enter into shelters that target victims of domestic abuse because they have not been abused. Instead, these women may be between jobs, waiting for child support payments, or simply have difficulty affording housing in Regina's overheated property market. Many of the women entering 'My Aunt's House' have jobs, but have had difficulty making ends meet on minimum wage with relatively high rents.

The YWCA uses a 'housing first' approach which first became popular in the United States a decade ago. Housing First prioritizes shelter for an individual, believing that everything else will fall into place much easier if they have access to safe, stable housing. The temporary shelter provided by 'My Aunt's House' can help get women into drug treatment facilities and find stable employment, because they are no longer constantly worried about where they will sleep tonight. 'Housing First' takes care of the most important concern many homeless and nearly-homeless individuals have, allowing them to focus on other issues that may be contributing to their situation. 'My Aunt's House' offers residents life-skills programs like budgeting and parenting classes to help them live more independently once leaving the facility. Typically residents leave within a month of entering 'My Aunt's House', with staff helping them to find more permanent housing.

'My Aunt's House' is a safe haven for many low-income women and families living in Regina. The city has a severe lack of affordable housing that is only slowly being addressed. As a new facility, 'My Aunt's House' welcomes all new clients whether they arrive as a result of official referrals from other agencies, or by word of mouth. To learn more about the facility and the many services they offer to low-income women and children across Regina, visit their website here: http://myauntshouse.org.

Six New Social Housing Units Slated for Whitehouse, Yukon

2010-04-12T09:49:00.003-04:00

Year Two of Canada's Economic Action Plan has brought $2.1 million in federal funding for a six-unit affordable housing complex in Whitehorse, Yukon. The new complex will be developed and managed by the territorial housing authority, Yukon Housing Corporation. Located in the Ingram neighbourhood of Whitehorse, two of the units will be four-bedroom apartments, while the remaining four will be three-bedroom. The large size of the units will allow local families to live comfortably. The Kwanlin Dün First Nation Development Corporation 42135 is constructing the project for Yukon Housing Corporation, with completion anticipated for fall later this year. The complex will be built to met the Yukon Housing Corporation's Super Greenhome Standards.

The new complex is just one of several infrastructure projects benefiting social housing in Yukon. The territory also received $3.3 million in funding earlier this year for insulating existing units, replacing furnaces in 16 buildings with more efficient models, and upgrading 42 steel fuel tanks with dual containment fiberglass tanks. Smaller projects include lighting upgrades and attic air sealing.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.

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.

New Affordable Housing Projects Celebrated in Thunder Bay, Ontario

2010-04-12T09:32:00.005-04:00

The City of North Bay celebrated two new affordable housing projects on Friday, thanks to $380,000 in funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan. 'The Pines', a 12-unit affordable housing complex opened its doors last week, while a groundbreaking celebration marked the start of construction on 'Cam's Place', a four-unit affordable housing project for persons with disabilities. Both projects are the fruits of public-private partnerships that saw a number of non-profit organizations draw together community resources to make the much-needed affordable housing a reality in North Bay. 'The Pines' is sponsored by the Girard-Johnson Group, while 'Cam's Place' has been developed by Lorraine Venasse, Sonia Vigna, and Lynda Ceppetelli.

Local officials last year estimated that North Bay needs approximately an additional 1000 affordable housing units to make the city more affordable for low to mid-income individuals and families. Many lower income families are currently having to double-up with others in an attempt to find more affordable accommodation. The two new affordable housing projects celebrated last week are part of a total of 117 units that will open their doors during this fiscal year.

The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over the next five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years in new and existing social housing and lending of up to another $2 billion to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The Province has already committed more than $388 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.ontario.ca/mah.

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 http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.

Booming Demand for Affordable Housing Driving Up Housing Prices in Saskatoon

2010-04-09T09:25:00.003-04:00

The strong demand for affordable housing in Saskatoon is driving up house prices in the city. While more expensive houses have experienced a relatively slow market over the past year, the sub-market for lower-end houses is booming. Affordable bungalows and smaller condos are receiving multiple offers, often on the first day of listing, a local real estate firm reported. Single family homes are particularly popular, especially in the under $350,000 price range. The findings point to a growing affordability problem across Saskatoon, a trend that was recently reported in the Sixth Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey. According to the survey, housing affordability has diminished significantly in Saskatoon over the past four years. This year's survey classified the local housing market as 'severely unaffordable'. Potential homeowners may find prices cool off later this year as mortgage rates increase again, but until the city sees a significant investment in affordable housing, long-term housing affordability will continue to be an issue for many lower-income residents.

New Affordable Housing for Seniors Opens in Bradford, Ontario

2010-04-09T09:01:00.002-04:00

Seniors in Bradford have a reason to celebrate; Wednesday saw the opening of a new addition to an affordable seniors complex in town. Built in 1973, the existing facility already housed 51 units, but local demand had outstripped supply for some time. Discussions began in the mid-1980s about whether the municipality should acquire more land to expand the existing facility. Unfortunately, the lack of federal and provincial funding available at the time meant the municipality had difficulty making the expansion a reality. Thanks to the development of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program however, Bradford finally managed to secure funding for the expansion in 2006. Bradford negotiated the purchase of the land, and West Gwillimbury county contributed $5 million, including a $1.75 million provincial Developing Opportunities for Ontario Renters grant.

The expansion is a three story building that is accessible to the old complex by an elevator. The project is already proving popular with local seniors, with 23 of the 25 units already rented and occupied.

Affordable Housing Projects Help Boost Hamilton's Economy

2010-04-09T08:42:00.007-04:00

As an industrial city, Hamilton, Ontario, has lived through some difficult years recently as the recession took its toll on local industries. Over 7000 local jobs were lost over the past two years alone. Things are slowly turning around for local residents however, thanks in part to a number of federally-funded affordable housing projects. The city has seen a total of $7.1 million invested in new affordable housing projects across the city over the past two years. The money has helped stimulate local construction industries, and boost stagnant housing markets. The average selling price has risen by 21% over the past year, and housing starts have increased by approximately 30%. Other new investments in Hamilton include a Tim Horton's coffee roasting plant, and Canada Bread's transport operations. What is clear however is that the new affordable housing projects are paving the path towards a reinvigorated Hamilton.

17 Vancouver Island First Nations Communities Receive $2.1 million for Housing Improvements

2010-04-09T08:29:00.004-04:00

As a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, seventeen Vancouver Island First Nations communities have been awarded a total of $2.1 million for housing improvements. The funds will be used to renovate the social housing units to make them more energy efficient. Upgrades will include replacing windows, doors, and switching to more efficient heating systems. Many of the social housing that Vancouver Island First Nations live in were constructed during the 1980s and are in desperate need of renovations and upgrades. The funding provided through Canada's Economic Action Plan will make the much-needed work a reality. The investments will not only improve the daily lives of current tenants in 207 units, but allow the units to house future generations of First Nations comfortably.

For more information about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the website here: www.actionplan.gc.ca

Employer-Sponsored Social Housing Inches Closer to Becoming a Reality

2010-04-07T09:40:00.003-04:00

One of the biggest problems facing Fort McMurray residents in Alberta, is the lack of affordable housing. While the Wood Buffalo Municipality in which Fort McMurray resides has one of the fastest growing economies, many residents still live very close to becoming homeless. A lack of affordable housing means many working families pay very high rents, diminishing their ability to create any emergency savings. If the main breadwinner misses even one paycheque, the families are then at risk of becoming homeless with no resources to fall back on. The lack of affordable housing means many lower-income families eventually move away to find accommodation that better fits their budget. These families are vital resources to Fort McMurray's growing economy as taxpayers and workers.

To keep these low-income families in the city, the Alberta Real Estate Association’s Affordable Housing Facilitator, Fort McMurray’s Real Estate Board and local Realtors have been instrumental in getting a new project with a new direction off the drawing board. By combining funding from CMHC, the Province of Alberta, the Alberta Real Estate Association, and local employers, new affordable housing should soon be available in Fort McMurray. The new development is innovative in its contribution from employers. Local employers can partially fund any number of social housing units to allow their employees to live there. This will help the employers keep low-wage, unskilled workers in the city despite rising housing costs. Construction has not yet begun on the project as architectural plans are still being drawn up. With land and funding in place however, the project will soon become a reality. Updates to follow.

St. Catherines Co-op Receives $500,000 For Renovations Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

2010-04-07T09:22:00.003-04:00

One social housing co-op in St. Catherines, Ontario, is set to receive $500,000 for renovations through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The good news was announced yesterday, and will make a significant difference to many St. Catherines residents. Cornerstone Co-op manages 14 buildings across St. Catherines, and will use the money to upgrade furnaces and replace windows and doors. The work will make the co-ops more energy efficient, reducing heating bills, ultimately saving the organization money that can be reinvested.

The Government of Canada, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

Media Isolates Homeless, New Study Reports

2010-04-01T07:48:00.003-04:00

A study set to be released later this year by researchers at the University of Calgary, suggests that Canadian media outlets contribute to the isolation and segregation of homeless individuals from mainstream society. Despite often reporting on issues of homelessness and housing, the study says media outlets rarely interview homeless individuals themselves, relying instead on 'experts'. The voices and stories of homeless individuals are marginalized and devalued, often made to appear 'different' from the everyday experiences of readers. Other ways that the media contributes to the social isolation of homeless individuals, according to the report, are:

- Portraying homeless people as "different" and socially removed.
- Presenting photos in which homeless subjects are isolated (the photo here is an example).
- Relying on quotes from homeless people only to describe their situations, not to discuss causes or solutions.

Some media outlets have been making concerted efforts to change this trend. Change.org's 'End Homelessness' blog makes a concerted effort to include homeless individuals in a meaningful way into their articles. They are valued as contributors, and their stories are not told through a series of soundbites from 'experts'.

Local Orangeville, ON Co-op wins $187,000 in Federal Funding

2010-04-01T07:40:00.003-04:00

Shaw's Creek Co-operative Homes in Orangeville, Ontario, has won $187,000 in Federal funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The money will be spent renovating and upgrading existing units, improving the energy efficiency of the building, and making the co-op a nicer place to live. The investment will also ensure that the units will be available for future generations of Orangeville residents looking for affordable housing.

The grant is part of a $1 billion program for social housing renovation and retrofit, of which $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

Poor Housing Affordability Impacts Canadians' Productivity

2010-03-31T10:08:00.004-04:00

The recently published report from the Conference Board of Canada on housing affordability stresses that Canadians struggling to make rent or mortgage payments often try and save money by buying cheaper foods. The report suggests that approximately 1 in 5 Canadians find themselves in this situation at any given point in time. Discount foods often lack real nutritional value and are stuffed full of additives and preservatives to make the food somewhat appealing (for more on this, watch Jamie Oliver's 'Food Revolution' Fridays at 9pm). Diets low in nutrition provide little energy making us unproductive at work, and irritable at home. A lack of affordable housing then impacts Canadians in all aspects of their lives. It puts them under economic strain, causing social stress that often frays relationships both in and out of the workplace. Moreover, a lack of affordable housing negatively impacts their physical health which in turn impacts their productivity at work. If we want to build a stronger Canada and pull successfully out of this recession, it is vital that all Canadians are given an equal shot at success in the workplace. Foodbanks and grocery vouchers are simply a bandaid over a larger, more serious problem. Governments need to make affordable housing a real policy priority, understanding that it is the key ingredient to happy, healthy, and successful citizens.

Report: 'Building From the Ground Up: Enhancing Affordable Housing in Canada'.

Edson, Alberta, Soon To See 39 New Affordable Housing Units

2010-03-31T09:58:00.003-04:00

Alberta's Provincial Government is making headway with its plan to create 11,000 new affordable housing units by 2012. The small town of Edson, Alberta is on the receiving end of this plan, and will soon be home to 39 new affordable housing units. The project has been made possible through Alberta's 'Request for Proposals' (RFP) program that allows private developers to apply to the provincial government for subsidies to create affordable housing. Successful applicants receive funding to purchase or build affordable housing units, renovate existing rental units, develop secondary units in private homes or support other options as identified by the community. Alpha Anderson Joint Venture is the developer that submitted the proposal, and received $4.3 million from the province to make the project a reality.

Construction will begin this summer, and it is hoped the expected 80 new tenants can move into the below-market rent units later next year. Five of the units will be set aside for individuals with special needs. Non-profit organizations, private businesses and municipalities are eligible to apply for funds through the RFP process, which accepts proposals in the spring. Proponents may receive up to 65 per cent of capital costs for their proposed development. For more information on affordable housing support, visit http://www.housing.alberta.ca .

Governments Should Stay Out of Affordable Housing Sector, New Report Concludes

2010-03-30T08:53:00.001-04:00

A new report entitled 'Building From the Ground Up: Enhancing Affordable Housing in Canada', has warned that governments should largely stay out of the affordable housing sector. While approximately 20% of Canadians currently struggle with housing affordability, the report insists that this is largely because current government policies do not allow the private housing market to adequately respond to changes in supply and demand. With governments intervening in the market, providing a limited supply of social housing, developers fail to see the need to provide more affordable housing choices. The report stresses that if governments left the housing market alone, it would adequately respond to the demand for affordable housing options.

According to the report, governments should only be involved in establishing building parameters and engineering deals to encourage the development of more affordable housing. It should not directly take part in the execution of projects. Non-profit organizations are described as efficient operators of affordable housing because they have low costs, a passion for their work, and an 'on-the-ground' perspective of how the projects should be run.

Recent government funding has tended to move more in this direction. Canada's Economic Action Plan did not directly provide funding to municipalities to create affordable and social housing, instead channelling billions of dollars into non-profit housing organizations that have the passion and innovation to make the projects a reality. The report's conclusions are based on extensive data analysis and literature review, along with 65 interviews with experts and 11 case studies of innovative housing practices.

Brantford, Ontario Co-ops Win $275,000 in Renovation Funding, and Just In Time Too!

2010-03-30T08:14:00.002-04:00

Three local Brantford housing co-ops have won a combined $275,000 in federal funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The funding was awarded through the Renovation & Retrofit program, now in its second year. Applegate Co-operative Homes on Tollgate Road received $75,000 of the funding, with Wicklow Co-operative Homes winning $97,069 and Appleridge Co-operative Homes a further $99,144. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

The funding could not have come at a better time for Applegate Co-op. Maureen Zotsman from the co-op stressed:

"We had a lot of roofs that were leaking badly, there were tarps on some, and lots that really needed replacing. We really appreciate the help because we couldn't have afforded it on our own."

Donna Adamson of the Wicklow Co-op was equally as grateful for the timing of the grants:

"Our co-op is 22 years old. We're so small we simply don't have the ability to do something that big. We're fortunate to get the money."

CMHC hopes the funding will not only improve conditions within social housing projects across the country, but also stimulate local economies by creating new employment opportunities within construction trades. The funds must be spent within this fiscal year meaning jobs are created quickly. The repairs will also ensure that social housing units are kept in an acceptable shape, fit to house future generations of Canadians.

Thanks to the Brantford Expositor

B.C. Housing Minister Keen to Restore Faith in Non-Profit Housing

2010-03-30T07:58:00.004-04:00

Despite a media storm over the past week highlighting the alleged fraud by Vancouver-based non-profit 'Downtown Eastside Residents Association' (DERA), B.C. Housing Minister Rich Coleman is keen to restore public faith in non-profit housing. B.C. Housing filed a lawsuit last Thursday against DERA for allegedly misusing government funds. DERA is accused of using provincial rental subsidies to pay operating expenses, and failing to pay property taxes among an array of other charges (for more on this, see yesterday's story).

The Ministry of Housing was keen to file charges against DERA despite admitting it may take years to recover any misused funds. Minister Coleman hopes the lawsuit will restore public faith in the ability of non-profits to provide social housing. Coleman was quoted as saying:

"[The provincial audit revealed] some disappointments and we have to restore the credibility of non-profits for the people who are in the business and doing it well."

Non-profit organizations currently operate over 80% of British Columbia's social housing units, and are an integral part of the province's social service network. While the lawsuit will likely prove to be painful for those associated with DERA, it will hopefully restore public faith in the ability for these organizations to provide vital services: The provincial social service system depends on it.

Winnipeg Social Housing Residents to Work on Infrastructure Projects

2010-03-29T10:21:00.003-04:00

Manitoba's Minister of Finance, Rosann Wowchuk, hopes that the province's new infrastructures can provide social housing residents with valuable employment and training opportunities. After allocating almost $1.8 billion to infrastructure projects for this fiscal year, Wowchuk hoped to create approximately 29,000 local jobs across the province, primarily maintaining and upgrading highways. Also receiving infrastructure funding were health facilities, housing, schools and universities, and public service buildings. Wowchuk was quoted as saying:

"Work on many of the projects will be done by people who live in social housing or in the surrounding neighbourhoods, providing training opportunities and creating and maintaining jobs across the province while building community pride," she said.

Caledon, Ontario, Develops New Affordable Housing Strategy

2010-03-29T09:58:00.004-04:00

Councillors in Caledon, Ontario are taking the region's growing housing affordability problem into their own hands. Located close to booming Mississauga, Brampton and Bolton, Caledon's councillors worry that without a plan in place, developers will quickly take over the town, driving up housing costs and putting many lower income residents at risk of homelessness. Developers are now being asked to set aside two acres of land for 'affordable' housing when they submit their proposals to the Region of Peel. Some councillors worry that this is still not enough however.

Wards 3 & 4 Regional Councillor Richard Whitehead pointed out that “affordable” housing in Caledon could be considered a home that has a $300,000 price tag. “It has to be what is needed,” he said. “You need it to be public-owned, low-cost housing. That’s how you make a difference.”

Ward 2 Regional Councillor Allan Thompson also expressed frustration with the word, ‘affordable’. “We’re growing every year, and we’re not picking up the shortfall,” said Thompson. He explained that the influx of approximately 35,000 people to the Peel Region each year is moving faster than local governments are on addressing issues for those in need. “It’s low-income housing (we need) and should be addressed as such, and established as such. Affordable housing allows bureaucrats to shirk the responsibility.”

For more information on poverty in Peel Region, contact the Peel Poverty Action Group at ppagactiongroup@gmail.com,http://ppag.wordpress.com, or (905) 826-5041.

Downtown Eastside Housing Association in Hot Water

2010-03-29T09:39:00.003-04:00

Outspoken advocacy group, the 'Downtown Eastside Housing Association' is in hot water after being accused by the B.C. Provincial government of using housing subsidies to fund administrative costs. The allegations first surfaced last week, when the Province filed a lawsuit against the Downtown Eastside Housing Association in the B.C. Supreme Court, asking for the judge to appoint a receiver to manage three downtown housing towers currently operated by the group: the 110-unit Pendera Place on Pender Street West, the 90-unit Tellier Towers on East Hastings and the 86-unit Solheim Place on Union Street. B.C. Housing claims that the group deliberatly mis-reported the finances of the three towers, failed to pay property taxes, and failed to use the government-supplied housing subsidy to pay rents. The housing society is also accused of failing to maintain the buildings in a satisfactory state of repair, failing to keep accurate waiting lists and failing to select tenants from the list appropriately. The society allegedly also did not check tenants' income and assets. Some tenants managed to have a unit without filling out a housing application and without appearing on the waiting list, the province says; some tenants bypassed the waitlist priority criteria, were in arrears of rent and allowed undeclared occupants in their units.

“The defendants … owed a duty of care to BC Housing to act with reasonable skill, competence and prudence in providing BC Housing with complete and accurate information regarding budgeting, tenancy and administrative matters,” the agency says in a 29-page statement of claim filed Thursday. However, the defendants breached their duties of care by negligently making misrepresentations, the province says.

The allegations go back to 2006, with the group occupying a space within one of the towers but not paying any rent. Moreover, administrative costs including photocopying expenses have allegedly been paid using housing subsidies that should have gone towards tenants' rents. Canada Revenue Agency revoked the charitable status of the organization last October for failure to file financial statements.

B.C. Housing operates more than 59,000 subsidized housing units across the province, with the help of approximately 800 non-profit housing groups like the Downtown Eastside Housing Association.

Habitat for Humanity Calls on City of Fredericton to Donate Land for Affordable Housing

2010-03-22T10:18:00.004-04:00

Fredericton's chapter of Habitat for Humanity has big plans for the city, but says it cannot press forward with its work unless it receives more help from the municipal government. In order to offer interest-free mortgages to their clients, Habitat for Humanity usually relies on land donations to keep the cost of construction low. Most municipalities across Canada support the organization by providing land for free or below-cost, and offering tax breaks once construction is complete. This has never happened in Fredericton, and the new director of the local Habitat chapter Mike Ross, stresses it's not because the City doesn't want to help, but because land prices are already so high it cannot afford to do so. Councillor Mike O'Brien, chairman of Fredericton's affordable-housing committee, confirmed this:

"We don't have that much land, which is an exception to what people think. For a Habitat home or affordable-housing unit, the land has to be near services or on a bus route so that clients, who often don't have cars, can walk to everything. A lot of the property we do have in those locations, if we do have it, is primed for other kinds of development and is very expensive. To give a piece of taxpayers' land away, it's quite a request."

Since opening in 1999, Fredericton's Habitat for Humanity has built a total of six homes. Its goal, says Ross, is to finish eight to ten homes a year. Without land donations however this goal may just continue to be a dream for the organization. Ross stressed that while it sounded like a lofty goal, there were in fact hundreds of local residents on the waiting list for affordable housing that desperately need these homes. He worries that there are probably hundreds more that don't ever both to put their name down for social housing because of the long wait. Larger, more established chapters like the one down in Nashville build up to 300 homes a year with the help of land donations from the city and a large pool of volunteers. Ross insists that Fredericton's much smaller goal of eight to ten houses a year is still manageable if the community steps up to help. With the City of Fredericton unable to help significantly with land donations, Habitat is now targeting local developers that may have small plots of land around the city they wish to donate.

Five Regina Families Move into Affordable Homes Thanks to Habitat for Humanity

Niagara Habitat for Humanity Branch Makes Public Appeal for Land

Yukon & Northern B.C. First Nations Awarded $1.7 Million to Improve Housing Conditions

2010-03-22T09:59:00.004-04:00

First Nations in Yukon and Northern British Columbia have been awarded $1.7 million in federal funding to improve housing conditions on their reserves. The funding comes as a part of Canada's Economic Action Plan which has committed a total of $4 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Yukon and northern British Columbia to address immediate housing needs from 2008-2010. This latest funding will be used to retrofit 68 social housing units on local reserves at a cost of $1.04 million, and subsidize three new affordable housing units in Yukon costing $690,000.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Quebec First Nations Awarded $2.2 million for Social Housing

First Nations Housing Conditions Impact Canadian Quality of Life

Morden Manitoba MP to Chair Committee Looking at Affordable Housing

2010-03-22T09:36:00.004-04:00

Candice Hoeppner, local MP in Morden, Manitoba, has been named the new chair of HUMA - the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities. HUMA is responsible for studying and debating programs and initiatives designed to help Canadians, on issues related to families, children, seniors, students and the unemployed. Recent priorities for HUMA include a comprehensive study into reducing poverty in Canada and an analysis of affordable housing for Canadians. Hoeppner says she is excited about the new position that will give her a chance to shape the future of so many new social policies:

"It's a big job, but I look forward to the responsibility of advising and amending policy and legislation on such a wide variety of issues," Hoeppner said.

Hoeppner is perhaps best known for her development of a bill to amend the the Criminal Code and the Firearms Act, which would repeal the long-gun registry. On November 4, 2009, Bill C-391 passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 164 to 137. The bill is now waiting to be studied before the Standing Committee of Public Safety and National Security. Many different groups including police officers both serving and retired have spoken out in support of Bill C-391. Hoeppner is currently the local MP for the Portage-Lisgar area.

Leaders in Northern Quebec Protest for More Social Housing

2010-03-22T09:20:00.004-04:00

Despite an announcement last week that the Federal government would commit to funding 300 new social housing units in Nunavik, northern Quebec, leaders rallied in Quebec City last week to demand a greater investment. Pita Aatami, the president of Makivik Corp., Maggie Emudluk, chairperson of the Kativik Regional Government, and Noah Tayara, the Makivik board member from Salluit, called the open-air news conference on March 17 in Quebec City. Community leaders have been expecting the Federal government to announce funding for up to 1000 social housing units since mid-2009. Local residents in Nunavik are often crammed into small houses that up to 20 people call 'home'. Leaders stress that this kind of long-term crowding leads to poor physical and mental health, and often physical and sexual abuse.

The Federal government has made it clear that they are willing to negotiate with Nunavik leaders to increase funding for social housing in the region, as long as Makivik Corp. is also willing to contribute financially. Makivik Corp. is the legal representative of Quebec's Inuit peoples founded in 1978. Its principal responsibility is the administration of Inuit lands and the over CAN$120 million in compensation funds it has received under the terms of the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement of 1975 and the more recent offshore Nunavik Inuit Land Claims Agreement that came into effect in 2008. It has a mandate to use those funds to promote the economic and social development of Inuit society in Nunavik. The Makivik Corporation is also empowered to negotiate new agreements with governments on behalf of the Quebec Inuit and to represent them on bodies like the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and the Inuit Circumpolar Council.

If Makivik Corp. is willing to help out financially with the badly needed social housing, the Federal government is willing to press forward with negotiations to increase its support for housing in the region. Updates to follow.

Quebec First Nations Awarded $2.2 Million for Social Housing

Quebec First Nations Win Funding to Improve Housing Conditions

Rising Utility Bills Putting Low-Income Families At Risk of Homelessness in Northern Ontario

2010-03-18T10:39:00.002-04:00

Local charities in Rainy River, Ontario, are concerned about the rising cost of utilities putting low-income families at risk of homelessness. Unlike large cities where homelessness is a visible problem, the organizations stress that rural and small town homelessness is often hidden, with low-income families looking to their extended family for financial assistance when times get tough. Many will end up moving in with extended families members if their financial situation does not improve, putting a strain on these relationships. In the past year utility costs in northern Ontario have increased dramatically, pushing many low-income residents to use food banks and financial assistance programs. Some local charities provide temporary financial assistance with utility bills, but many say that they cannot keep up with the growing demand for support.

It's a story heard across Canada during the recession as wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living. Particularly in smaller towns, families may have lost one or both of their incomes putting them in a very precarious financial position. Charities in Rainy River found many families living with no running water or utilities during the summer months, and moving to nearby Thunder Bay for a homeless shelter in the winter. While government action may not immediately increase the number of jobs available in these small towns, Rainy River's non-profit organizations stress that they need greater access to government funding to keep families in their homes. Temporary programs often run their course before a family can get back on its feet. What is needed is more stable funding for low-income families, particularly during the economic recession, to ensure that they do not end up in the social housing system. Managing Ontario's growing social housing waiting lists not only entails building new units on the supply end, but managing demand. Greater access to social supports that keep people in their homes during times of financial difficulty would go a long way towards reducing the numbers of applicants to the social housing system annually.

Vancouver's Tent City Expected to Come Down Today

2010-03-18T09:49:00.004-04:00

Vancouver's Olympic Tent City is expected to finally come down today as the last remaining residents are cleared out. Organizers officially have until the 26th to clear the site, however they expect that everyone will leave tonight. Remaining residents have been offered shelter beds for the night by the Portland Hotel Society to make sure they do not go back to sleeping on the streets. . The informal settlement was set up on a lot in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood owned by condo developer 'Concord Pacific' and leased by VANOC to be a parking lot during the Games. The protest hoped to illuminate the displacement of low-income Vancouverites from the city centre by recent condo developments, and encourage City officials to make their promise to end homelessness a reality. Organizers say they are 'relatively happy' with the protest's outcome, with the City of Vancouver finding shelter for many of the homeless squatters that took up temporary residence in the tents. They promise that more tent cities will likely crop up around Vancouver until the City and Province properly address homeless and housing issues in the city.

Alberta Government Pledges $12 million to House Local Homeless

2010-03-17T11:27:00.004-04:00

The Alberta Provincial Government has pledged $12 million to develop 112 supportive housing units in Edmonton and Calgary. Based on a 'housing first' approach, the province is keen to push funds towards new social housing to make spending more efficient and provide better services for local homeless populations. The 'housing first' approach is based on a philosophy that providing safe, affordable housing is the first big step towards getting homeless persons off the street. Once in stable housing, the homeless individual is in a better position to address other underlying issues that might have led them to a life of homelessness, like addiction and/or mental health issues. Without secure housing, the majority of an individual's energies are spent trying to procure shelter, making it difficult for them to address the real issues that drove them to the street. 'Housing first' programs also claim to be a more cost effective way of spending money. Studies show that it can cost up to $100,000 to support an individual through the shelter system through health, emergency services, and justice costs. Providing an affordable housing unit with appropriate social supports can cost just $35,000.

The 112 new social housing units in Edmonton and Calgary will be developed by The Mustard Seed Society, a non-profit Christian ministry. The Province will shoulder 70% of construction costs, with the non-profit swallowing the remaining 30% of funding required to get the project off the ground. The Mustard Seed Society is also working on a number of other projects to help homeless individuals in Alberta, including subsidizing units in existing buildings.

Calgary's Plan to End Homelessness Faces Economic Hurdles

Affordable Housing Solutions Need to Address Job Market Too

Canadian Mortgage Firm and Habitat for Humanity Launch Program to Boost Donations

2010-03-17T11:05:00.005-04:00

Habitat for Humanity has partnered up with MCAP, a leading Canadian mortgage firm to launch its 'Key for Hope' program. Key for Hope enables people with mortgages to donate any amount to Habitat for Humanity on a monthly basis by tapping the donation onto their mortgage payment. MCAP will then match the donation and forward the money to Habitat for Humanity. The goal of Key to Hope is to raise at least an additional $1 million for Habitat over the next five years.

"With 1.3 million Canadian families unable to pay for rent and life's other necessities, Habitat for Humanity is always looking for new ways to engage Canadians in the fight for decent, affordable housing," said Stewart Hardacre, President and COO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. "By allowing Canadians to add on any donation amount to their mortgage payments, Key to Hope allows homeowners to share the joy of homeownership with fellow Canadians in need."

MCAP administers more than 120,000 home mortgages and Canada, meaning its partnership in the Key for Hope program will allow Habitat for Humanity to reach out to new donors. Key to Hope will increase MCAP's support of Habitat helping even more families experience the benefits of owning a decent and affordable home, including improved health, longer life expectancy and a stronger connection to the community.

Habitat for Humanity's 'Restore' a Valuable Resource to Low-Income Families

Niagara Habitat for Humanity Branch Makes Public Appeal for Land

CEO of Charitable Foundation Calls For Greater Integration of Canadian Non-Profits

2010-03-17T10:22:00.003-04:00

This morning's Vancouver Sun features an article written by Tim Brodhead, the president and CEO of the J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, calling for greater integration the non-profit sector across Canada. Brodhead points to innovations in the US and UK where government actively encourages co-ordination between non-profit groups to ensure organizations receive the funding and support they need to continue their good work. One of President Obama's first tasks in office was to set up the White House Office of Social Innovation to fund non-profit organizations that find innovative ways of providing social services. While critics may see these developments as a way of legitimizing the downloading of social services onto non-profit organizations, when funded correctly they can provided much needed money and support to groups already providing services. In the U.S., a decade worth of federal investment has resulted in a variety of funding streams for non-profits, and a number of federally funded organizations that provide support services to smaller organizations and charities.

Last week's Federal throne speech made clear reference to the importance of the non-profit sector to Canadian social services. Prime Minister Harper stressed how valuable innovative charities were to the future of the country and our ongoing recovery from the global recession. Since then no real steps have been taken to make this vision a reality. Very few intermediary organizations exist to provide real guidance to the non-profit sector, and even fewer government-funded bodies have been developed for this role. The result is the continued fragmentation of Canada's non-profit sector leading to duplication, waste, and a mis-match of supply and demand. The implications of this fragmentation can be deadly - just last month a Kelowna B.C. non-profit had to close its doors due to a lack of funding. Many commentators at the time were quick to point out that the non-profit had to compete with many other organizations in the area for limited government funding. Moreover, many other organizations in the area already provided similar services, meaning the demise of the non-profit could be attributed to both a lack of government funding and support, and competition between local organizations for this money.

To stop the growing trend of fragmentation in the sector, Brodhead suggests Canadian governments need to take the following steps:

1. Level the playing field by extending to social enterprises the same incentives and supports available to small and medium-sized businesses.
2. Modernize the rules governing charities both to unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial capability and allow them to address today's more complex needs.
3. Create a legal framework that encourages social enterprises, making it easier for them to generate earned income.
4. Enact policy measures that promote the contribution by Canadians of time and money to the public good.

Brodhead stresses that these measures would allow Canada's non-profit sector to live up to its full potential, and provide innovative social services.

Peterborough, ON Co-op Receives Funding For Renovations Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

2010-03-15T22:33:00.006-04:00

Kawartha Village Co-operative has been awarded $291,000 in funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan to carry out renovation and retrofit work that will upgrade units and improve the project's energy efficiency. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy-efficiency upgrades or conversions and modifications in support of people with disabilities. The funding hopes to increase the life of existing social housing across Canada to ensure it remains in fit condition for many generations to come. The construction work generated by these renovation projects will also stimulate local economies that may be struggling during the economic recession.

The Government of Canada, through Canada's Economic Action Plan, announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit in 2009. Of the $1 billion, $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

Own Sound, ON, Co-ops Wraps Up Maintenance Work Using Action Plan Funding

Peterborough, ON, Remembers Residents Who Died in Poverty

Rockcliffe Apartment Tenants in Nova Scotia Want Answers in Affordable Housing Battle

2010-03-15T22:11:00.005-04:00

Last week I published a story about the plight of tenants in Sydney N.S., in the Rockcliffe Apartments affordable housing project. The provincial housing authority has decided to discontinue its financial support for the development, leaving tenants to face a $150 rent increase on July 1st. Many tenants argue they cannot afford the rent increase, relying on social assistance and minimum-wage jobs as their only source of income. The development was recently purchased by a new owner who said he tried to negotiate with the Province to continue its agreement to subsidize rents. For its part, the Province argues that the new owner refused to accept the same terms of agreement as the development's previous owner. It's a battle of words that has failed to give any real answers to the tenants caught in the middle. A group of tenants plan to take their own words to the Province in Halifax on March 30th in an attempt to meet with Community Services Minister Denise Patterson-Rafuse. As tenant Linda Roach put it:

“We don’t want to sit, dangling idly by while everybody decides whether we have a home or not in three or four months, or whether we can afford the home we’re presently in.”

The waiting list for social housing in the area is already between one and two years long. While this is considered short across Canada where the longest waiting list stretches for twenty years, the situation has left tenants wondering where they will live if the rent increase takes place. The waiting list means that it is unlikely the province will be able to relocate the tenants to other social housing buildings. Tenants hope they will be able to get some answers to these questions on March 30th. Updates to follow.

Comox Valley, B.C. Shoots Down Affordable Housing Fund

2010-03-15T21:38:00.005-04:00

Councillors in Comox Valley, B.C., on Vancouver Island, have voted down the development of an affordable housing fund. A number of other municipalities across British Columbia have recently developed affordable housing funds, used to subsidize new affordable housing projects and donate land to get construction off the ground. The plan proposed to place levies on developers that increased the value of their land, and contribute this money to an affordable housing fund. Planners had suggested sliding scales of contributions from developers based on proposed lot and building sizes, ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per lot. Multiple family homes would be on a scale from $500 to $2,500 per unit. They estimated that over the next few years a fund of around $500,000 could be amassed, and with potential matching contributions from the federal and provincial governments the pot could be as large as $1.5 million. Councillors voted against the proposal however, arguing that the levy would simply be passed on to homeowners rather than being borne by the developer. They argued that funding affordable housing should be the responsibility of the whole community, rather than new homeowners alone.

New Westminister B.C. Makes Bold Affordable Housing Plan

Image: Google Maps

Five Regina Families Move into Affordable Homes Thanks to Habitat for Humanity

2010-03-15T21:03:00.005-04:00

Five low-income families in Regina now have a new place to call home. Thanks to the hard work of the Regina branch of Habitat for Humanity, each of the families have a new house with an affordable mortgage. Saskatchewan's provincial government contributed $219,500 towards the projects to help offset construction costs, increasing the affordability of the completed houses. Last year Saskatchewan's provincial government made a $1-million commitment to help Habitat for Humanity provide affordable homeownership opportunities to families across the province.

“Our government is pleased to support Habitat for Humanity’s outstanding efforts to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for Saskatchewan families in need,” Regina Qu’Appelle Valley MLA Laura Ross said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “The lives of five deserving families have been changed for the better, and we commend everyone’s efforts to make these safe, stable and affordable homes a reality.”

The single family homes are located at 1258 Argyle Street, 1002 Rae Street, 1415 Athol Street, 1369 Rae Street and 1040 Robinson Street in Regina. Each family contributed 500 hours in building their homes and other Habitat for Humanity homes before receiving their keys.

Niagara Habitat for Humanity Branch Makes Public Appeal for Land

19 Low-Income Families Get a Break in Regina: New Affordable Townhomes Open Their Doors Yesterday

24 New Affordable Housing Units Open in La Peche, QC,

2010-03-15T10:13:00.002-04:00

La Peche, Quebec, just north of Ottawa and Gatineau, is now home to 24 new affordable housing units thanks to an investment of $1.5 million from the Federal government through the AccesLogis program of the Societe d'habitation du Quebec (SHQ). An additional $2 million in funding was made available through private partners and the Municipality of La Peche. The federal and provincial governments will invest, on a 50:50 cost-shared basis, $538 million in Quebec under the Affordable Housing Initiative Program Extension Agreement. The 24 units are spread between two affordable housing projects in the municipality, of which 12 will be subsidized through the SHQ's Rent Supplement program, which provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who would otherwise have to spend more than 25 per cent of their income on housing. Over a five year period, the rent supplements will provide nearly $184,000 in financial assistance, including $165,000 from the SHQ and $19,000 from the Municipality of La Peche.

Since 2003, 980 community housing units have been, or are being, developed in the Outaouais region, including 82 in the constituency of Gatineau, representing total investments of nearly $114 million by the Government of Quebec.

For more information on SHQ programs and services, visit www.habitation.gouv.qc.ca/en/index.html.

Montreal-Based Co-ops and Non-Profits Win $5.8 million Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

Image: Google Maps 2010

Owen Sound, ON, Co-op Wraps Up Maintenance Work Using Action Plan Funding

2010-03-15T09:38:00.003-04:00

The Ainslie Wood Housing Co-operative in Owen Sound, Ontario, is wrapping up renovation work made possible through Year One of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The development received $384,000 to replace all windows and siding to improve the energy efficiency of the co-op. Once complete, the renovation work will lower heating bills for tenants who often struggle to juggle rent and utility bills on low incomes. The 32-unit development was built in 1986, meaning much of its infrastructure required significant maintenance to keep it up to standard. With tight operating costs, the work would not have been completed for up to a decade without the financial assistance from Canada's Economic Action Plan. The maintenance work is expected to be completed by the end of this month.

While Canada's Economic Action Plan has made over $1 billion available to social housing developments across the country to renovate and retrofit their units to make them more energy efficient, many providers lament the short-lived nature of the program. Applications for the final year of the program are now closed, meaning that necessary maintenance that crops up in the next few years will not be able to benefit from the program that helped so many developments. What is needed is a more stable funding commitment from the federal and provincial governments to ensure that this kind of maintenance can be carried out year after year. This would help keep valuable social housing units across the country in top shape to house low-income tenants for the foreseeable future.

Federal Budget Offers No New Monies For Social Housing

Rental Renovations Hoped to Ease Pressure on Social Housing System

Image: Felixco Inc./FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Orillia, ON, Co-ops Put Action Plan Funding to Good Use

2010-03-15T09:18:00.003-04:00

Two co-operative housing developments in Orillia, ON, have put funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan to good use, improving the lives of their tenants. Receiving $90,510 from Year One of funding through the renovation & retrofit program, Coral Co-operative Housing Corporation quickly put the money to work by renovating the roof and eavestrough of its building. Some tenants had previously complained about getting leaking behind the drywall in their apartments, but with an already strained operating budget the co-op could not afford to fix many of the maintenance problems that began to crop up. Built during the 1980s, Coral co-operative was beginning to age and required some major maintenance work to ensure the units remained up to code. Down the road, Couchiching Co-operative Homes had been having similar issues, with many tenants complaining about poor insulation and drafty patio doors that resulted in large heating bills. It received $68,265 from the Action Plan to fix these problems, allowing the management to replace the screen and patio doors in the development's townhouses, and the insulation inside each unit.

Without funding from Canada's Economic Action Plan, these co-ops would not have been able to afford this maintenance work. President of the Coral Co-operative Brian Smith stressed:

"It would have taken us four, or five years to pay for the same work that got done in one season because we don't really have the funding to do roofing. This has benefited us a huge amount."

Residents in both co-ops can now be assured that their buildings will continue to house them for many years to come. Aging infrastructure is a serious concern among social housing developments in many parts of Canada. Many co-ops and non-profit developments were constructed during the late 1970s and early 1980s and are now in need of serious repair. With declining federal and provincial financial support for social housing projects, many of these developments find it increasingly difficult to afford the vital maintenance required to keep their projects up to building code. Canada's Economic Action Plan attempts to address this issue by funding renovations that address aging infrastructure. Applications for the program are now closed, but to read more about how the Action Plan is contributing to social housing across Canada, visit the website: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

Federal Budget Offers No New Monies for Social Housing

Quebec First Nations Awarded $2.2 Million for Social Housing

2010-03-15T09:01:00.003-04:00

Quebec's Atikamekw and Mi'kmaq First Nation communities have been awarded $2.2 million in funding from Year One of Canada's Economic Action Plan to construct three new social housing units, and renovate 53 others. The funding will help improve housing conditions on the communities reserves, with many units requiring considerable renovation to bring them up to building standards. After a recent report by the United Nations classified housing conditions in many Canadian First Nations communities as 'third world', the Federal government has moved to make funding to improve these conditions a higher priority.

Under Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has provided $400 million over the next two years to support on-reserve housing. Of the $400 million committed, $250 million will be delivered through CMHC over two years for the creation of new on-reserve housing ($125 million) and the repair and renovation of existing federally-assisted on-reserve social housing ($125 million). The remaining $150 million will be delivered by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) for lot servicing, renovations, new construction of high-density multi-unit dwellings, and renovations to support the conversion of band-owned housing to private ownership.

Applications for funding through the second year of Canada's Economic Action Plan are now closed. To read more about the plan and how it is improving housing conditions across the country, visit the website: http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/.

Quebec First Nation Wins Funding to Improve Housing Conditions

Saskatchewan-Based First Nation Communities Receive Funding to Improve On-Reserve Housing

New Social Housing Opens in Williams Lake, B.C.: Breathes New Life into Old Motel

2010-03-15T08:33:00.006-04:00

Once a run-down resting place for people passing through Williams Lake, B.C., the Jubilee Motel has been reincarnated as a 33-unit social housing building that opens this week. The Province purchased the motel last year for $830,000 and has since injected a further $590,000 to renovate the property and bring its rooms up to building code. The project will be operated by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Cariboo Chilcotin Branch which will provide additional support services for tenants living with mental illness. Trevor Barnes, executive director of the CMHA-CCB stressed:

“The success of social housing development depends on the support services you provide.”

The 33 units are all single-occupancy and will be rented for $375/month, thanks to $200,000 in rental subsidies being made available by the Province on an annual basis. The project is also home to a kitchen for tenants, a laundry facility, and offices for numerous community organizations providing support services. Neighbours concerned about community safety have nothing to worry about, stresses Barnes, as all tenants already live in the area and have been members of the community for a number of years. The project has 24-hour surveillance to minimize any disruption to the surrounding community. Tenants must sign a participation agreement when they move in which restricts visitors during night-time hours, and has strict consequences for causing any disruption both inside and outside the building.

New residents are expected to move in tomorrow (Tuesday), with the local community invited to tour the development today.

Moosejaw, SK, Moves One Step Closer to New Social Housing Project

Image: Google Maps 2010

NDP Leader Concerned About Rising Cost of Living, Growing Social Housing Waiting Lists in Saskatchewan

2010-03-15T08:06:00.005-04:00

NDP Leader in Saskatchewan Dwain Lingenfelter has expressed his concern about the rising cost of living across the province, and the growing social housing waiting list that the current provincial government has failed to address. Lingenfelter said that many Saskatchewan residents felt let down by the current SaskParty government led by Brad Wall that as failed to follow up on many of its promises. Despite seemingly good intentions, the cost of living and wait for social housing have continued to increase under Wall's leadership. Lingenfelter stressed that the cost of utilities in particular have skyrocketed over the past several years, leaving many low-income families unable to afford both rent and utilities. In an interview to the local Meadow Lake Progress newspaper, he was quoted as saying:

'I think what we need is a better review of how bad the pressure is in communities for housing. We need a major social housing program that would back-stock and fill that gap of housing that's available.'

For now however, Premier Brad Wall is sticking to his commitment to cut social spending across the province this fiscal year to balance the budget. Saskatchewan has one of the strongest economies coming out of the recession, and Wall stresses that sensible financial management is required to keep it this way. While not tackling the need for new social housing across Saskatchewan, Wall has earmarked $500 million for his 'economic booster shot' that will be put towards repairing infrastructure, including social housing.

Affordable Housing Project Opens its Doors in Saskatoon

High Rents, Low Vacancy Rates, and Broken Sinks: The Reality of Renting in Regina

19 Low-Income Families Get a Break in Regina: New Affordable Townhomes Open Their Doors Yesterday

2010-03-12T10:34:00.005-05:00

Housing affordability in Regina has been gradually diminishing over the past several years, leaving many residents struggling to pay their rent every month. Michelle Phillips, a local single mother with two teenaged daughters, found it increasingly difficult to find anywhere affordable to rent for her family: "Housing costs are so high right now you can't find anything affordable that's worth living in," she said. "It's either run down or there's health concerns or the areas aren't very good." Phillips and her girls however are now one of 18 low-income families in Regina that moved into their new homes in the Namerind affordable townhome complex, opened yesterday. The Namerind Housing Corporation is a non-profit organization that primarily supplies affordable housing to the Native community, owning and operating 280 homes in the local area. The new townhomes are the latest addition to Namerind's portfolio, made possible in-part by a grant from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.

Namerind has recently expanded its business endeavours to include a strip mall, warehouse, and an apartment building it lets out at market-rent. Profits from these ventures go back into its affordable housing projects to maintain the buildings and subsidize rents. Once government funding runs out for its units, Namerind still plans to subsidize tenants rents using the profits generated by its other businesses. The maximum rent paid by any tenant in a Namerind unit is $700 per month, a sum significantly less than the majority of apartments in Regina.

Despite its success, Namerind still has 650 families on its waiting list - a figure that grows every day says CEO Robert Byers. Namerind is just one of many housing providers in Regina and cannot be expected to house every low-income resident in the city. For now however, they are making notable progress towards helping growing numbers of low-income Regina residents secure safe and affordable housing.

Ottawa Residents Worry New Condo Developments Will Displace Affordable Housing

2010-03-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

Residents in Ottawa's 'Centretown' neighbourhood have expressed concern that new condo developments are pushing out affordable housing that once formed the core of the community. A recent study showed that fewer seniors are now living in the neighbourhood, a direct result some say, of a number of new condo towers raising rents in the area. Moreover, the newcomers have brought new stores to the neighbourhood that do not suit the income and tastes of more established residents. Ottawa's intensification plan spells more new condo towers coming to Centretown over the next few years, potentially displacing many more original residents of the neighbourhood. The new condos will be considerably more expensive than most of the surrounding housing changing the demographic composition of the neighbourhood. Their contemporary designs will stand out against the existing urban fabric.

Centretown's story is one that many downtown neighbourhoods are experiencing across Canada. Once the home of affordable housing and established residents, revitalization and intensification planning in downtown neighbourhoods are changing the economic and social makeup of these areas. While the new developments are intended to curb urban sprawl, planners need to take steps to ensure that existing communities are not destroyed once inundated with new residents, many with higher incomes and different lifestyle preferences. For now, Centretown's residents remain unsure about the future of their neighbourhood once the intensification plans are completed. Many hope the newcomers will participate in the community and help develop a stronger neighbourhood but some are unsure whether this will actually happen.

Toronto Receives Award for Wasting Taxpayer Money During Last Year's Homelessness Count

2010-03-11T10:15:00.003-05:00

Toronto beat out three other municipalities to win this year's 'Teddy Waste Awards' on Parliament Hill as a result of wasteful spending during last year's homelessness count. Each year the City of Toronto uses local volunteers to count the number of homeless persons sleeping on the street in an attempt to estimate the extent of homelessness across the city. Toronto received the award however after it was revealed that 50 volunteers were paid $100 each to dress up as homeless persons for the night, a job not offered to homeless people themselves. The decoys were intended to demonstrate the level of inaccuracy inherent in the audit - for example if 10 decoys were missed by volunteers, the City would assume the survey had an inaccurate rate of 20% and adjust the figures accordingly. The $5000 could have been better spent however, by channeling the funds into services for the homeless rather than paying volunteers to dress up for the night.

According to this morning's Globe and Mail, Toronto beat out three other cities to take the Teddy award in the municipal category. Calgary was nominated after councillors spent $6,700 on dry-cleaning bills; Winnipeg earned a nod for a councillor who expensed a $739 satellite radio and subscription; and Edmonton was targeted for a $1.4-million promotional website that has failed to garner much attention outside of the city.

The City stands by its decision to pay volunteers to dress up as homeless persons for the night, but Colin Craig from the Teddy Waste Awards calls the act 'lunacy'. The Teddies have been running successfully for 12 years, and were named after former federal bureaucrat Ted Weatherhill who was fired amid an expense controversy.

Ottawa Community Comes Together to Create Six New Affordable Housing Units

2010-03-11T09:56:00.004-05:00

The final result will be the work a community coming together to help those less fortunate than themselves. A number of community groups have come together in Ottawa, Ontario to create six new affordable housing units in an old unoccupied apartment complex. The Crichton Street apartment complex and the land is stands on, was donated by the City of Ottawa to the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation to be redeveloped into affordable housing units. The Ottawa Building and Construction Trades Council is helping out by demolishing sections of the building and re-building it in line with new construction plans. The new designs were the work of local architectural student Brynne Campbell, who is also a member of Architecture for Humanity, a non-profit organization that brings design, construction and development to communities in need. Students from the Algonquin College Building and Trade faculty will donate their time to help restore the apartment building.

Designing the new units was no small challenge - the existing apartment building consists of six long and thin units that needed to be converted into more comfortable living spaces, two of which will be wheelchair-accessible. Once completed, the units will stand as a lasting demonstration of what can happen when a community comes together and donates time, skill, and money to making a dream a reality. The units will house six low-income families, some of which currently reside within Ottawa's shelter system giving them a better life.

A Lack of Rental Housing Hurting Ottawa Region Municipalities

Habitat for Humanity's 'Restore' a Valuable Resource to Low-Income Families

2010-03-11T09:30:00.004-05:00

Habitat for Humanity's 'ReStores' sell everything from leather sofas to kitchen sinks, but many people are still not aware they exist. 'ReStore' is where Habitat for Humanity accepts donations of furniture, appliances, building materials, and much more, and sells them on to customers at low prices or recycles unusable products in a safe and responsible manner. The stores are a valuable resource to low-income families looking for appliances and furniture at reasonable prices, and to many others in communities looking to donate or safely recycle large objects like sofas, TVs, and fridges. 58 ReStores exist across Canada, accepting donations from both the public and local businesses looking to get rid of end-of line, scratch-and-dent, discontinued inventory, and customer returns. In return, ReStores inject any profit they make back into the Habitat for Humanity organization to allow local chapters to build houses.

Tina Goodwin, manager of the local ReStore in Midland, Ontario says : “We have everything from screws and nails to plumbing, toilets, shower doors, electrical, lighting, receptacles, switches, paint, wallpaper, ceramic tile, grout, lumber, bricks, cupboard doors, light bulbs – everything you’d usually find in a retail place.” Goodwin is still surprised that after three years in business, many locals still are unaware the store exists.

Many ReStores will pick items up directly from donors houses free of charge if they contact the store ahead of time and arrange a pick-up time. The stores are a valuable resource that rely heavily on the local community to donate time and items. To read more about the good work being done by ReStore workers and volunteers, and how you can donate either your time or furniture, visit their website here: http://www.habitat.ca/restoresc648.php.

Windsor-Essex Habitat for Humanity Breaking with Tradition: Chooses to Renovate Home

Five Year Plan for Habitat for Humanity: Grey Bruce Ontario

Image: Habitat for Humanity

Interview: The Midland Mirror

Oxford County, Ontario, Approves 183 New Affordable Rental units

2010-03-11T09:06:00.003-05:00

Oxford County council in South West Ontario has approved an 183 new affordable rental units proposed by seven private sector developers. The funding for these units, many of which are already under construction, would come from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The program is already significantly over-subscribed and this year is offering only $100 million for new affordable rental housing compared to the $300 million available during its first wave of funding. The total value of the proposed units in Oxford County is $11.6 million. If for any reason the funding applications are not approved by the Province, developers expect to go ahead with construction but will not be able to offer affordable rents, instead focusing on market-rent accommodation. The seven developments applying for funding are:

- 6 units for persons with disabilities by Woodstock District Developmental Services, requesting $480,000 in Woodstock
- 4 units for persons with disabilities by Ingersoll Support Services, requesting $480,000 in Ingersoll
- 12 units for seniors by Stephen Culig, requesting $900,000 in Tilsonburg
- 36 units for seniors by Everlast, requesting $1,260,000 in Woodstock
- 40 units for seniors and low-income families by Lossee Homes, requesting $2.8 million in Woodstock
- 40 units for seniors and lower-income families on Anderson Street in Woodstock, requesting $2.8 million
- 45 units for seniors by Sunwear, requesting $2,935,000 in Woodstock

The federal-provincial program provides some up-front funding to defray construction costs, with the balance of the funding supporting the financing costs of the project. Recipients agree to offer the units at a percentage of market rental rates for a 25-year period.

Low-Income Families Get a Boost Through Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program

2010-03-10T08:45:00.003-05:00

The very successful home ownership component of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program has been expanded, allowing more low-income families to enter into first-time home ownership. While low-income families were originally only eligible to purchase new housing through the program in an attempt to stimulate local construction trades, this year it will include re-sale homes. Re-sale homes are often somewhat cheaper than new units, meaning the allocated funding within each locality will potentially be stretched further than last year. Moreover, the policy change will allow families to participate regardless of whether new housing is available in their community or not. Last year many low-income families found it difficult to find new housing in their community, particularly with housing starts declining across the province.

Under the Affordable Housing Program (AHP), Ontario families earning less than $75,800 qualify for a twenty-year interest-free loan financed by the federal and provincial governments to help them enter into home ownership. Families must agree to reside in this house for the duration of the loan and not rent the property out to any other party. Eligible houses must have a selling price at or below the maximum selling price set within a municipality, and be modest in size relative to community standards. While funded by the federal and provincial governments, the program is administered at the municipal level, with each municipality receiving a set amount of funds for the year to distribute among residents as it sees fit.

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Useless if No Affordable Homeownership Opportunities Exist

Regina Offers Cheap Land for Affordable Housing

Vancouver Island Affordable Housing Project Makes Link Between Affordability and Economic Growth

2010-03-10T08:05:00.004-05:00

In an attempt to receive local council approval for their proposed affordable housing project, a Victoria Island (B.C.)-based developer, Mathot Homes, highlighted the economic benefits of affordable housing to the local community. The 29-unit affordable housing building would allow low-income residents to spend the money they save on rent in local businesses, boosting the surrounding economy. Housing across Vancouver Island is currently extremely unaffordable, leaving many residents unable to pay rent and purchase necessities. The proposed affordable housing building will allow its tenants to spent some of their monthly income in the surrounding community. The development was approved by the local Cumberland council.

Making the link between affordable housing and economic benefits is very important for developers and non-profit organizations seeking local council approval and perhaps some form of subsidy to make their project financially viable. Unfortunately the term 'affordable' often conjures up images of financially dependent residents that will take, not give back, to the local community. In reality, affordable housing can free-up some valuable cash for residents, allowing them to fully participate in the local economy, boosting community businesses.

Mathot Homes plans to ask the local Cumberland council for exemptions from water-connection charges and development cost charges (DCCs) to help keep the cost of the units affordable. Once constructed, the building will be managed by a non-profit organization senstive to the needs of its low-income tenants and the need to keep the units affordable for future generations.

Ontario's HST Set to Raise Operating Costs for Social Housing

Image: Google Maps 2010

CAW Donates to Kitchener-Waterloo Area Womens Shelters in Recognition of International Womens Day

2010-03-09T11:50:00.006-05:00

The Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) donated $100,000 to 50 womens shelters across Canada yesterday in recognition of International Womens' Day. Two shelters in the Kitchener-Waterloo area in Ontario that shared some of the generous donation were Anselma House and Haven House. Both shelters provide a safe haven for local women fleeing from abusive relationships and other acts of gender violence, and access to social services to help them get back on their feet.

"Governments must commit to funding for women's shelters, invest in affordable housing, and a national child care program, all of which create the conditions that provide women with options to leave violent relationships," said CAW Kitchener Area Director Bill Gibson. "The CAW donations help, but it is the responsibility of all levels of governments to develop initiatives to end violence against women in our communities and in our workplaces."

The shelters also provide counselling for the women and their children to help them move forward with their lives. The money will help keep the shelters running for another year and provide valuable services to local women. Canada's theme for this year's International Women's Day (March 8th) was 'Strong Women. Strong Canada. Strong World'. The donations made by CAW to the womens shelters across the country will help achieve this goal one person at a time.

New Homeless Shelter in the Works for LGBTQ Youth

Regina Youth Homeless Shelter Project Receives Federal Funding

Image: Graur Razvan Ionut /FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Westminister, B.C. Makes Bold Affordable Housing Plan

2010-03-09T11:09:00.002-05:00

While some municipalities across Canada still acknowledge housing as a provincial responsibility, New Westminister in British Columbia is taking some bold steps to make a housing policy of its own. While the municipality will still rely mostly on provincial and federal monies to support the ongoing operations of affordable housing, it is hoping that its latest initiative will encourage providers to consider New Westminister as a prime location. Non-profit organizations often choose between several municipalities for locations that offer cheap land, tax rebates, and accessible transit systems for their clients before constructing affordable housing. New Westminister's new affordable housing plan tries to address some of these issues.

The plan is made up of seven points, some more specific than others:

1) Begin background research leading to the development of a rental replacement policy, including consideration of the city's existing affordable housing stock.

2) Formalize the city's housing reserve fund.

3) Create a "fast track" procedure for development approval for non-market housing applications.

4) Review and modify, if advisable, the city's minimum health and life-safety requirements for secondary suites in existing dwellings.

5) Develop a practical "how-to" manual for creating a secondary suite in an existing dwelling.

6) Review opportunities to encourage new single detached houses to be suite-ready.

7) Examine the feasibility and advisability of requiring affordable housing in new developments as a condition of rezoning (i.e. 20 per cent of units in new developments are to be 'affordable').

Councillor Jaimie McEvoy said the plan was 'a very comprehensive policy, very progressive', and that he was 'proud to be part of a city council that said we are not just going to stand by and watch and not do anything'. While many initiatives will still rely on federal and provincial money, the plan is definitely a step in the right direction towards encouraging new affordable housing development in the area.

For more information on the City of New Westminister and its housing initiatives, visit their website: http://www.newwestcity.ca/business/planning_development/housing.php

Tensions Between Province and Owner Lead to $150/Month Rent Hike in Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Development

2010-03-08T12:57:00.006-05:00

The residents of Rockcliffe Apartments in Sydney, Nova Scotia will soon have to endure a $150 rent hike after their building was purchased by a new owner, leaving many wondering how they will afford to continue living in their homes. Under previous ownership the building received a $1.2 million ten-year renovation loan from CMHC that was forgivable so long as the units remained affordable. The building is currently two years into the loan, but with the new owner proposing a rent hike, CMHC says it has little choice but to enforce the loan. The new owner however says that he tried to negotiate with CMHC to continue the affordable housing agreement but that the corporation was not interested. With both CMHC and the development's new owner locked in a battle of words that could eventually reach the legal system, it is unclear what will happen to tenants in the meantime. Approximately a quarter of all residents in the Rockcliffe Apartments live on social assistance and cannot afford a $150 rent hike. They hope the Province and new owner can work matters out amicably to allow them to stay in their homes at affordable rents.

Updates to follow.

Toronto Mayor Concerned Budget Will Not Create Sufficient Affordable Housing for Large Cities

2010-03-05T08:07:00.004-05:00

Yesterday's federal budget left one politicians in particular disappointed - Toronto's Mayor Miller. Miller complained that the monies announced for infrastructure projects are already tied up by promises made last year to certain projects in various cities, leaving Toronto with little to show for two years worth of federal stimulus spending. As Canada's largest social housing provider, Toronto has the longest waiting list for social housing and is one of the least affordable cities to live in the country. Miller was hoping that stimulus funding would make somewhat of a dent in the city's growing social housing waiting list but this has yet to be achieved. The mayor expressed his concern for the future of social housing funding once the stimulus funds run out in 2011.

Affordable Housing Advocates Not Hopeful About Federal Budget

Hamilton, Ontario, Makes One Last Bid for Affordable Housing Funds

Federal Budget Offers No New Monies for Social Housing

2010-03-05T07:49:00.005-05:00

While Flaherty's Federal budget announced yesterday was not as harsh as some critics feared, it provided few new programs and initiatives to alleviate poverty. The funding earmarked for social housing two years ago under the stimulus program 'Canada's Economic Action Plan' still remains, but will run out at the end of this fiscal year. The second round of funding for social housing providers will give organizations access to $2 billion for new construction and $75 million for renovations and retrofit this year. As the deadline to apply for these funds has now passed, organizations who failed to submit applications or whose projects were rejected now have little chance of securing funding. The Federal government may still renew the program in next year's budget but is staying clear of any long-term commitments for the moment.

Hamilton, Ontario, Makes One Last Bid for Affordable Housing Funds

Image: ActionPlan.gc.ca

Brantford, Ontario 'Making Progress' Towards Affordable Housing Goals

2010-03-04T09:49:00.003-05:00

According to an independent review, Brantford, Ontario, is 'making progress' towards its goal of making affordable housing more accessible to local residents. While the county has increased its supply of affordable housing over the past five years, the reviewing firm stressed that it needed to work harder at ensuring that the kinds of affordable housing constructed adequately reflect the demand. For example, 33% of all affordable housing in the area is geared towards seniors while they make up only 4.6% of the waiting list. Conversely, about 14% of the area's affordable housing is made available to single adults, while this group makes up 35% of the waiting list. According to SHS Consulting, the firm that carried out the review, this is an issue faced by municipalities across Ontario. It is often easier to obtain funding for certain kinds of affordable and social housing, particularly units geared towards seniors, but the firm stressed the importance of making sure supply meets demand. There is little use for hundreds of seniors units when there are no seniors to fill them.

The review also stressed the importance of distributing affordable housing relatively equally across municipalities and within townships and cities. No one area should house the majority of affordable housing tenants as this can create issues of discrimination and isolation. This is something that Brantford hopes to work on as it moves forward in its plans to create new affordable housing, but can often prove difficult. Affordable housing is typically constructed where land is cheap, and/or where community opposition is the weakest, meaning that certain areas are often receive more units than others. It is certainly a point that Brantford has taken to heart and plans to work on in the coming months.

Affordable Housing Advocates Not Hopeful About Federal Budget

2010-03-04T09:31:00.003-05:00

The latest Federal budget will be announced at 4pm this afternoon, but advocates are already worried that it will decrease already tight funding for affordable housing across the country. Prior to the federal 'Canada's Economic Action Plan' unveiled in 2008, no real funding program had been in place for creating new social and affordable housing over the past decade. With the federal Throne Speech yesterday emphasizing the need to return to a balanced budget and to end deficit spending, it is expected that the Action Plan will not be renewed, leaving social housing providers with few other avenues to explore to support new development. If the federal government moves not to renew funding for affordable housing under its Action Plan, providers would be left competing for funding through the limited federal-provincial housing agreements currently in place.

Updates to come.

Hamilton, Ontario, Makes One Last Bid for Affordable Housing Funds

2010-03-04T08:45:00.002-05:00

The last time that the City of Hamilton, Ontario, applied for federal funding for affordable housing through 'Canada's Economic Action Plan' it was turned down, quashing the hopes of non-profit housing providers across the city who hoped they could expand their services. Not to be discouraged however, the City has sent off four more proposals to be considered under the second round of the Canada's Economic Action Plan program. This being the last round of funding under the program, Hamilton is hopeful that its latest applications will be successful and allow the city to expand its affordable housing stock. Four applications out of a total thirteen were forwarded to the program last month, all hoping to receive funding to get their projects off the ground. The program emphasizes 'construction-ready' projects from groups that have everything in place but the capital required to break ground.

The four applications forwarded come from a variety of organizations. The first priority is a proposal from the Hellenic Community of Hamilton and District who are asking for $210,000 to convert an old fire hall into four affordable housing units. The organization already owns and operates 39 affordable housing units across the city. The second priority is the Homestead Christian Care project that hopes to convert an old bar into 46 new affordable housing units. The two final proposals, which were also included in the last round of applications, are proposals for 27 units for families on Burton Street and 59 units for seniors on Upper Gage. The City has chosen not to include its first priority from the last round of funding - a controversial proposal to convert a historic hotel into a mixed-use building that included some affordable housing.

There is approximately $120 million up for grabs in this round of funding. Applicants will have to wait a few months to hear the outcome of their bids for funding.

Niagara Habitat for Humanity Branch Makes Public Appeal for Land

2010-03-04T08:21:00.006-05:00

'It all starts with the land', stressed Alastair Davis, executive director of Habitat For Humanity Niagara on Monday. His organization has been building affordable housing for local residents since 1993 with the generous help of volunteers who donate their time and money to help get the projects off the ground. Since Habitat began working in Niagara Region, it has successfully completed 32 houses, providing affordable shelter for many local families that would have otherwise had little chance of ever owning their own home. On Monday night Davis made a public plea to the Pelham town council, a township just west of Niagara Falls, for land donations from municipal and private owners. Davis stressed that the cost of land has risen significantly in Niagara Region over the past decade, making it very difficult for Habitat for Humanity to construct affordable housing. Recently it has relied heavily on generous donations of land from a variety of sources.

While Habitat for Humanity works with standardized house models, Davis said the organization can easily alter construction plans to fit any kind of lot. His only requirement is that the land is nearby to sewer and water lines. Municipalities and private interests often own parcels of land that are strange sizes and shapes, or in locations deemed useless to other landuses. Davis says his organization can work with these kinds of lots, and relies on these kinds of donations to keep building affordable housing. In nearby Welland for example, three Habitat houses are currently going up on an unused municipal parking lot that the local council had no further use for. Once Habitat secures land, it begins the process of looking for the perfect family for the new affordable house. The new tenants must contribute 500 hours of 'sweat equity' on their own house and other projects, and be able to pay a zero-interest, no downpayment mortgage.

To read more about Habitat for Humanity Niagara's public appeal for land donations, visit their website here: http://www.habitatniagara.ca/Donate/Land/.

Farmers Donate 'Soy House' to Habitat for Humanity

Airdrie Council Approves Affordable Housing Project Despite Neighbourhood Opponents

Mixed-Use Social Housing Building Opens in Calgary

2010-03-03T10:48:00.003-05:00

Downtown Calgary, Alberta, is now home to 88 new social housing units, thanks to a public-private project that mixes subsidized housing with more profitable land uses. The site includes the affordable housing tower, a fire hall, a market-rent housing tower (116 units), 28,000 square feet of office space, and 2,600 square feet of commercial retail on the main floor. The trendy 'Eau Claire' centre is the first of its kind in Calgary and promises to offer a new solution to developing social housing in the area. The project was made possible by $12 million in funding from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, and $15 million from the City of Calgary. Calgary Housing Company, the municipal housing authority, will be managing the units which were constructed by development firm LaCaille Group.

First Bank Opens in Toronto's Regent Park for New Social Housing Tenants

2010-03-03T10:08:00.003-05:00

In the sixty years since Canada's oldest, and largest, social housing development stood standing, its residents did not have access to a neighbourhood bank. Now that the community is undergoing a complete revitalization, a RBC branch has opened up at the bottom of a new condominium building to serve all members of the neighbourhood. Not having a local bank in the community hindered local businesses, who often had to travel further afield to branches that did not fully understand the needs of the Regent Park community. A local business owner explained to the Globe and Mail this morning:

“When there is a financial institution in your neighbourhood, it gives you some motivation; it encourages businesses to go there. Having the borrower and the lender in the same community, you have a sense of the culture, the business perspectives, both have the same knowledge base.”

Recognizing that a large part of the community revitalization is the creation of new businesses and jobs, the RBC plans to develop a micro-finance program to encourage local residents to develop small businesses. Micro-finance provides small loans on a short-term basis to help get businesses up and running, and cover temporary cash-flow issues in the first few years of operation. Similar programs have been hugely successful in other parts of the world, particularly India and across Africa. While RBC's micro-finance program is still in its early day, the branch hopes to have all the details worked out before the first wave of social housing tenants return to the area.

Social Housing by Toronto Expressway to be Redeveloped in Neighbourhood Revitalization Plan

Rehabilitating Buildings, Rehabilitating Lives: Social Housing Redevelopment in Canada and the UK

Image: Salvatore Vuono/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Social Housing Providers Eye Houses Made With Recycled Plastic

2010-03-03T09:48:00.005-05:00

Welsh firm Affresol has developed a new form of affordable housing - built using recycled plastic. The construction material, 'Thermo Poly Rock', is made from recycled waste plastic and minerals and can be used to build low-carbon affordable homes. These 'plastic homes' are typically much cheaper than traditionally built houses, with a three-bedroom detached house costing approximately $75,000. Moreover, they save thousands of pounds of plastic from being sent to landfills, and have been proven to lower energy costs as plastic is a low heat conductor. Houses can be constructed in four days by assembling sections weighing between 400 and 600 kilograms which are secured with steel bolts. Each house is made from about 18 tonnes of recycled plastic waste and should last more than 60 years.

While Affresol expects to build 3000 homes using their technology in the United Kingdom this year, they have fielded inquiries from social housing providers across the world looking to cut construction costs and reduce waste. Once Affresol begins construction, it may only be time before we see this kind of technology being used here in Canada.

Farmers Donate 'Soy House' to Habitat for Humanity

One Newfoundlander Thinks he has the Solution to BC's Housing Crisis

Image: InsideHousing.co.uk

Vancouver's Tent City Comes Down as Housing Found for Homeless Occupants

2010-03-02T10:47:00.004-05:00

The Olympics officially came to a close on Sunday, and now one of its most prominent protests is following suit. Vancouver's 'Tent City' was erected at the beginning of the Winter Olympic Games by protesters to make the city's homeless population more visible to visitors. The informal settlement was set up on a lot in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside neighbourhood owned by condo developer 'Concord Pacific' and leased by VANOC to be a parking lot during the Games. The protest hoped to illuminate the displacement of low-income Vancouverites from the city centre by recent condo developments, and encourage City officials to make their promise to end homelessness a reality. B.C. Housing officials found the last remaining homeless residents of 'Tent City' permanent housing this week however, meaning protesters are now dismantling what had become a vibrant little community that brought together activists and homeless Vancouverites. Activist Nathan Crompton said the new housing was a "victory" for the tent city strategy. B.C. Housing initially said there were no units available, but then found units after one of its offices was briefly occupied Friday by activists and homeless people, said Crompton.

Crompton stressed however that finding shelter for the remaining homeless residents of 'Tent City' was a small victory - as over 1000 more homeless individuals reside in the five blocks surrounding the soon-to-be vacant lot. 'Tent City' might no longer be in existence come Friday, but it is safe to say its legacy will live on long after the games as a prominent, successful protest that managed to highlight Vancouver's lack of affordable housing, and find shelter for some local homeless persons.

Peel Region, Ontario, Receives Acknowledgement For High Quality Social Housing

2010-03-02T08:42:00.003-05:00

Peel Region, Ontario, has become the first social housing provider in the province to be awarded certification from the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO). The FRPO runs a stringent quality assurance program for rental housing providers that acknowledges only the highest standard of rental housing. The certification means that Peel Region social housing tenants can be assured that they are living in developments with high standards of building management and customer care.

Peel Region currently houses 16,060 tenants in social housing. While it has the longest waiting list for social housing in Ontario, this latest award clearly demonstrates the Region's commitment to improving social housing within its borders. The award will be presented on March 4th, 2010 at 11.30am in the Region of Peel County Chambers.

For more information on the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario (FRPO), and how it is working to improve living conditions for rental tenants across Ontario, visit its website at www.frpo.org.

First Nations Housing Conditions Impact Canadian Quality of Life

2010-03-02T08:08:00.007-05:00

Not too long ago, Canada was ranked the best country to live in by the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). It was a title Canada held for more than a decade until 2001, based on the health, education and wealth of our citizens. Today Canada ranks eighth in the world - a drop that many researchers attribute to declining standards of living for our country's First Nations communities. When taken on their own, Canada's First Nations communities are the 63rd best place to live in the world out of a total of 175 countries. 63rd place ranks First Nation communities among some of the world's poorest third-world countries. If Canada is the eighth best place to live in the world, how then can the First Nations communities be the 63rd? Tabi, from the 'Uncovering Shadows' blog sheds some light on the situation in a recent post.

According to Tabi, the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) in First Nations communities is 1.5 times higher than in other parts of Canada. This is due not only to a lack of access to proper health care facilities, but also the unsanitary living conditions many young babies are exposed to once they return home from the hospital. In a recent study conducted by Health Canada, 12% of all First Nations households had to boil their water before using it for drinking purposes - something that few other communities have to do. Approximately one quarter of all on-reserve water filtration systems pose a serious hazard to human health. Moreover, roughly 6% of all houses lack access to sewage treatment facilities. On their own, these factors indicate a significantly lower standard of living for First Nations communities, when combined they pose a threat to human life.

The startling statistics don't stop there however. 1 in 4 First Nations households live in over-crowded conditions, meaning that health problems and diseases are more easily spread. Almost half of all First Nations housing stock requires some sort of repair and/or renovations, and approximately the same number of homes are contaminated with mold. Despite the worrying housing conditions 73% of First Nation households are in core need for affordable housing, meaning that the majority of people in these communities are paying most of their limited income towards unsatisfactory, unsanitary, and at times dangerous housing.

Core funding for First Nations housing has remained unchanged for the past two decades. Investments through Canada's Economic Action Plan have sent hundreds of millions of dollars towards improving on-reserve housing conditions, and yet the reality is that most First Nations communities continue to live in unsatisfactory housing. This sort of housing would never be tolerated in other communities, and yet it is the reality of most First Nations. Perhaps it is too easy to ignore the issue when it is located on First Nations reserves isolated from other communities - out of sight, out of mind. What these statistics tell us however is that the appalling housing conditions that our First Nations communities are subjected to should be a higher policy priority.

Saskatchewan-Based First Nation Communities Receive Funding to Improve On-Reserve Housing

Affordable Housing Project Opens its Doors in Saskatoon

Image: Elwood W. McKay III/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Renewable Energy Initiative Announced to Upgrade Ontario's Social Housing Stock

2010-03-02T07:43:00.003-05:00

CMHC and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing announced on Friday a new program launching this spring to upgrade Ontario's social housing stock. Labelled the 'Renewable Energy Initiative', the provincial and federal governments will contribute equally to fund projects that make existing social housing buildings more energy efficient. In particular, the program hopes to encourage the installation of energy systems that are capable of generating energy and selling surplus energy back into the electrical grid.

The City of Toronto's ongoing 'Mayor's Tower Renewal' initiative has provided funding for two years for similar upgrades to existing social housing buildings. While many buildings have been upgraded to make them more energy efficient, it has typically only been new developments that incorporate (or propose to incorporate) the technologically advanced and expensive energy systems capable of creating renewable energy. The new 'Renewable Energy Initiative' is still in its early days however. Announcements will be made this spring on requests for quotations from suppliers and on the application process so that organizations can apply for funding.

For more information on the Renewable Energy Initiative, visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan, and to read more on Toronto's on-going Tower Renewal project, visit www.towerrenewal.ca/about.php.

Image: Dan/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

B.C. Federation of Labour President Wants Unemployed Labourers to Build Social Housing

2010-03-01T10:01:00.003-05:00

President of the B.C. Federation of Labour - Jim Sinclair - has publicly suggested that the Federal Government extend its annual deficit into 2010 and put unemployed construction labourers to work on new social housing projects. In an economic climate where many Canadians have lost their jobs, and sometimes homes, Sinclair stresses the need for social housing has never been greater. Moreover, the construction of new social housing would stimulate local construction trades that have been severely hurt during the recession, and bring much needed jobs to labourers who have been out of work for months. Jobs would help construction workers get back on their feet and gain independence from the government programs they have been relying on since the economic downturn slowed housing starts across the country.

At present, the Federal Government is looking to cut back its expenditure on support programs in an effort to reign in the country's growing deficit. Sinclair and others stress however, that the economy remains on shaky ground and many Canadians are holding on to their jobs by their teeth alone. Cutting federal expenditure at a time like this would likely hurt the most vulnerable Canadians, sending them back to welfare rolls across the country. Creating social housing is a long-term investment that will help to house generations of Canadians to come. Moreover, the jobs created by any construction will help boost local economies and get many workers back on their feet. As the Federal and Provincial governments start to cut back their budgets however, the likelihood of Sinclair's suggestion being acted on is small.

Provincial Funding Helps Make Hastings County Seniors Complex a Reality

2010-03-01T09:46:00.005-05:00

Hastings County, Ontario, has received $280,000 in provincial funding to help make a new affordable housing complex for seniors a reality. The project previously received one-time funding through Canada's Economic Action Plan, however required additional funding to get it off the ground. The remaining balance will be picked up by the county. No further details about the project has been released at this time, however once completed the development promises to provide much-needed affordable accommodations for many local seniors looking to down-size.

North Bay Hospital Deficit Made Worse by Lack of Social Housing

Orillia Council Backs Funding for Social Housing

Image: Simon Howden/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

New Affordable Housing for Youth in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

2010-03-01T09:38:00.004-05:00

Prince Albert, Saskatchewan is celebrating an investment of $679,500 from Canada's Economic Action Plan that will make a new affordable housing complex a reality. The project also received $400,000 from the Homelessness Partnering Strategy and $54,500 from the City of Prince Albert. Once completed, the project will house very low-income youth with a history of mental illness in eight units in downtown Prince Albert. The development is conveniently located within walking distance of the downtown core and a local drop-in centre, The Nest, which provides meals and programs that address independent living skills and employment initiatives.

Persons with disabilities often have difficulty finding housing that meets their specific needs. Canada’s Economic Action Plan provides $75 million over two years to build new rental housing for persons with disabilities. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, and the Homelessness Partnering Strategy, visit their websites:

http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/homelessness/index.shtml

Professors Begin $1-million Project on Northern Homelessness

2010-02-26T07:36:00.003-05:00

Professors Dr. Katrina Srigley and Dr. Dean Bavington of Nippising University have been awarded a $1-million grant through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to study and address northern homelessness. Together with a team of researchers, the professors plan to work with neighbourhood organizations to create programs that forge links between the academic and non-profit communities. The five-year project will examine the underlying causes of poverty, poor housing, homelessness, and out-migration in northern Ontario to gain knowledge on these issues, understand their impact local communities, and give communities the tools they need to ensure that the most basic human needs of their citizens are met.

"What makes this grant particularly exciting is its basis in research partnerships between universities and communities in the North and, as a consequence, its potential to collectively address the needs of northern communities in areas of housing, employment, and community infrastructure," commented Dr. Srigley.

The project partners will use traditional and innovative research methods in the communities, including design charrette, an intensive, hands-on workshop that bring people from different disciplines and backgrounds together to explore design options for housing within a particular area or site. The goal of the charrette process is to capture the vision, values, and ideas of the community while professional designers and architects sketch-out in real-time the visions expressed by the participants. Community members will also be given cameras and recorders to capture their environment through the use of photo-voice and digital story-telling techniques.

Quebec First Nations Win Funding to Improve Housing Conditions

2010-02-26T07:08:00.004-05:00

The Abénaki First Nation have been awarded $24,000 in federal funding through year-one of Canada's Economic Action Plan in the community of Wôlinak. The money will be put towards renovating eight existing social housing units, and will go a long way towards improving the housing conditions in the community.

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada has committed $400 million over the next two years to help First Nation communities build needed new housing, repair and remediate existing non-profit housing for their members, and complement housing programs offered by CMHC. This investment will also provide an economic stimulus for many First Nations and surrounding areas by creating jobs. Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, some $45 million in federal investments will be made available to First Nations in Quebec to address immediate housing needs.

Mixed-Use Social Housing Building Proves Successful in Langford, B.C.

2010-02-25T09:30:00.005-05:00

Affordable housing offers low-cost accommodation to individuals and families living with restricted incomes. Unfortunately however, the costs to actually construct affordable housing and keep it running in the long-term are often anything but 'affordable'. Too many well-intended affordable housing projects fail to ever get off the ground due to a lack of start-up capital, and many others fail within their first few years as operating costs spiral out of control. A non-profit housing corporation in Langford, B.C. however is showing other organizations that building affordable housing can be done, and moreover even become relatively self-sufficient.

The M'akola Housing Society plan to build two five-story affordable apartment buildings in Langford that mix commercial and residential uses. The lower floors will house commercial and retail space that will not only provide convenient stores and services to tenants, but will generate valuable rents that will pay the on-going operating costs of the affordable housing (such as cleaners, supervisors and maintenance staff). M'akola also plans to relocate their offices to some of the commercial space in the new buildings.

Of the 63 one-, two- and three-bedroom units, 33 would be rented at 10 per cent below market rates, and the average rent of all 63 units is to be below market and affordable by B.C. Housing's definition of affordability. Twelve of the units would be designated as seniors' rental housing and rented out at 30 per cent of the households' income - between $150 and $750 a month. M'akola has received federal and provincial funding to subsidize the seniors units, and the Langford City Council has donated a further $185,000. The council will also waive property taxes for the development for the next ten years as it provides affordable housing to local residents.

Once the development is up-and-running, M'akola hope to not only house many of Langford's low-income residents, but provide inspiration to other organizations looking for a way to build affordable housing. While it may not be orthodox, mixing commercial and retail uses with residential apartments can certainly help to make affordable housing projects viable.

Image: Google Maps 2010.

Windsor-Essex Habitat for Humanity Breaking With Tradition: Chooses to Renovate Home

2010-02-25T09:07:00.008-05:00

The Windsor-Essex, Ontario, chapter of Habitat for Humanity is breaking with tradition and choosing to renovate an existing house, rather than build a new one, for a local family of eight. Concerned that they would not be able to find a lot large enough to accommodate a home that could comfortably house eight people, Habitat decided that renovating and extending an existing house on a relatively large plot of land would make more sense than building from scratch. The home was generously donated by Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Company Canada. Once work began on the project, the organization even found that the renovation has turned out to be a cheaper option than building a large house from the ground up.

The Suliman family have six children, and waited for two years to receive a house from Habitat for Humanity. One of their children has been diagnosed with autism meaning they must have their own room, making it difficult for the family to afford a large enough house in the private market. The renovated home will have 1,380 square feet, a few hundred more than other Habitat homes, and another 882 square feet in the unfinished basement. While their house will be completed later this year in April, the Sulimans will have to wait until they have completed their mandatory 500 hours of 'sweat equity' before moving in.

The Windsor-Essex chapter of Habitat for Humanity has worked hard to house local residents in recent years, and will celebrate its 50th house this December.

Farmers Donate 'Soy House' to Habitat for Humanity

Five Year Plan for Habitat for Humanity: Grey Bruce Ontario

City of Toronto to Announce Details of Lawrence Heights Redevelopment Later Today

2010-02-25T08:50:00.004-05:00

This morning's Globe and Mail has an update on the proposed Lawrence Heights redevelopment in mid-town Toronto. The City plans to announce its finalized plans for the revitalization project later today to create a more close-knit, economically vibrant community. After an expressway ploughed through much of the existing neighbourhood during the 1960s, a series of social housing developments went up on either side creating an isolated, low-income community. As other parts of the city have developed, the neighbourhood was left stuck in the past. Today the area is largely avoided by anyone who does not live there, mostly because it offers very little to both outsiders and local residents. A run-down shopping mall, an abandoned school that is now home to ESL classes and a food bank, dominate the neighbourhood.

For more information on the area and how the City of Toronto hopes to breathe new life into the neighbourhood and its residents, please see my earlier coverage of this story.

First Residents Move Into New Regent Park Development

Rehabilitating Buildings, Rehabilitating Lives: Social Housing Redevelopment in Canada and the UK

Saskatchewan-Based First Nation Communities Receive Funding to Improve On-Reserve Housing

2010-02-25T08:18:00.005-05:00

The James Smith Cree Nation, Peter Chapman Band and Chakastaypasin Band communities in Saskatchewan have been awarded $2.3 milion in federal funding to improve their on-reserve housing. The funding was made possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan that hopes to stimulate local economies and improve housing conditions for First Nation communities across the country. A total of $400 million has been allocated for this program over two years, with $60 million directly earmarked for Saskatchewan-based communities.

CMHC will allocate almost $550,000 to retrofit 20 existing social housing units and more than $1.4 million in subsidy associated with the construction of eight new social housing units. In addition, the Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs (INAC) will contribute $386,000 for major renovations to 15 housing units. This funding will go a long way to help improve housing conditions in these First Nation communities. On behalf of the combined 2800 band members, the three Chiefs wish to acknowledge the Canadian Economic Action Plan's initiative to stimulate the Canadian Economy by investing millions of dollars in First Nation communities. These investments in First Nation housing and infrastructure allow for an increased standard of living and the continued delivery of essential services to their ever-increasing populations.

For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit the website at www.actionplan.gc.ca

Social Housing in P.E.I Gets a Boost Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

Native Housing Gets a Boost Through Canada's Economic Action Plan

Newfoundland-Based First Nations Community Wins Funding to Retrofit Social Housing

North Bay Hospital Deficit Made Worse By Lack of Social Housing

2010-02-24T11:02:00.002-05:00

The local hospital in North Bay, Ontario, currently has an operating budget deficit of just over $6 million. Hospital unions have launched a campaign to get the Province to pick up the tab but in the meantime the debate wages on over who should pay, and how to lower future operating costs. Local officials complain that a large part of the problem is the lack of affordable and social housing in North Bay. Hospitals are packed full of seniors with nowhere else to go - the city has a serious deficit of seniors homes and supportive living centres. Housing seniors in hospitals costs local taxpayers many times more what it would to support them in seniors residences with on-call nursing staff. While the federal government has recently been more active in funding new social housing, it has not been enough to tackle the long waiting list for seniors housing in North Bay. Perhaps once the Province is hit with the $6-million price tag for North Bay's hospital expenses, it will realize that social housing is perhaps a more sound investment.

Orillia Council Backs Funding for Social Housing

2010-02-24T10:32:00.003-05:00

Orillia, Ontario may have a reputation as being a summer playground for Greater Toronto residents, but its local council is determined to increase the supply of affordable housing available to improve the lives of year-round locals. Orillia is home to a large number of retirees who are in increasing need of affordable housing units as they look to downsize from their family homes. Moreover, with much of the employment in the area being seasonal in nature, younger residents are much in need of affordable housing to allow them to stay in the township.

City council voted last night to continue its financial support for new social housing projects for another year. Recognizing that the current federal funding environment that supports social housing through Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program may only run for another few years, Orillia is keen to encourage new development now so organizations can take advantage of the programs. Accordingly, city council is continuing its offer of $20,000 in financial support per unit for new social housing construction, along with offering incentives to a maximum of 100 units over the next three years. City councillor Ralph Cipolla commented:

'Orillia is really on top of affordable housing. Obviously, we need more, but we're doing it better than any municipality in Simcoe County'.

Orillia plans to spread new affordable housing developments across the township to ensure that it does not become too clustered in any one area. The city currently has 72 units in the works and plans to continue expanding its affordable housing stock.

Image: Galen-frysinger.com