| October 14, 2009 Penticton Social Housing Benefits from B.C. – Canada Partnership PENTICTON – The Governments of Canada and British Columbia are announcing more than $3.4 million in cost-shared Housing Renovation Partnership (HRP), a joint agreement to provide funding to renovate and retrofit Penticton social housing in greatest need of repair. “Our seniors and disabled adults deserve housing that is affordable and environmentally sustainable,” says Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff. “I will continue working with all levels of government and our partners in the community to address this important issue.” “These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable,” says Okanagan-Coquihalla MP Stockwell Day. “It is also a good way to get the local economy moving because it puts construction workers and trades people to work quickly.” The Penticton Retirement Centre will receive $3,437,367 for repairs and renovations, focusing on safety and sustainability upgrades. These upgrades include installing low flow fixtures, boiler upgrades, lighting retrofits, building air sealing, and a new building envelope for enhanced thermal performance. Of the total $176.76 million announced, the majority of the funding, $163.7 million will be directed toward repairs at 81 social housing developments. The remainder of the funding, $13.06 million is being allocated to renovations that are underway at provincially-owned Single Room Occupancy (SRO) hotels. The funding was made available as a result of a $365-million joint investment under an amendment to the Canada-British Columbia Affordable Housing Agreement which includes funding through Canada’s Economic Action Plan and by the Government of British Columbia. This new initiative is part of an overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program launched by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs over three years and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of the province. Through Housing Matters BC, the Province is addressing a range of housing needs, from homelessness to affordable rental housing and homeownership. In 2009, the provincial housing budget is approximately $450 million, more than three times as much as in 2001. To find out more about affordable housing in B.C., visit www.bchousing.org. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan. For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca. -30- | |
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