$3.1-million Investment in Halifax Housing Co-op Announced

NOTE: A social media release, with downloadable hi-res photos, video and audio clips, will be available later today, Jan. 20, at www.gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-01-20-housing.asp .

Hundreds of people living in co-operative housing in Halifax will soon have updated, more energy-efficient homes thanks to a $3.1-million investment from the provincial and federal governments.

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, and MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement today, Jan. 20, in Halifax.

"Co-ops provide a valuable form of affordable housing in Nova Scotia," said Ms. Peterson-Rafuse. "These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable. We are happy to be able to support them and make life better for the families living in co-op communities."

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, government is committed to making communities stronger through projects like this one," said MP Scott Armstrong. "These investments in local infrastructure will help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy.

"This includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure that many families need."

One-hundred and thirty-one north-end Halifax units will have roofs, windows, doors and bathrooms renovated.

The funds were given to the North End United Housing Co-operative Limited, the province's newest and largest housing co-op. It was created by the merger of Anathoth Housing Co-operative, Charles Court Housing Co-operative, Jim MacDonald Housing Co-operative, and Seaview Housing Co-operative.

"We really appreciate the help and support government has given us to fix up our homes," said Margaret Brown, a long-time resident of the co-op.

"This $3.1-million investment in co-operative housing is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works," said Karla Skoutajan, director, sector development, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. "The amalgamated housing co-op will get needed upgrades and repairs, the individuals and families who live there will benefit, and the community will keep secure and energy efficient housing."

The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to investment under the Canada–Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal funds are from Canada's Economic Action plan.

Under the Affordable Housing Program, more than 1,200 affordable housing units have been created or preserved in Nova Scotia. For more information on these projects, visit www.gov.ns.ca/coms/affordablehousing .

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