NOTE: A list of senior and social housing that will get funding announced today follows this release.
Social housing for seniors will be repaired, upgraded and revitalized with a $5-million government investment.
Community Services Minister Joanne Bernard, who is responsible for Housing Nova Scotia, and MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of Candice Bergen, Minister of State (Social Development), made the announcement today, Aug.
8, at Alderney Manor, a 198-unit seniors housing residence in Dartmouth.
“Seniors deserve to live in comfortable, suitable and well-maintained homes,” said Ms. Bernard. “Investments like this not only improve the living conditions for low-income seniors, they also ensure they are able to live independently, for as long as possible, in their own home.”
The investment will improve nine seniors and social housing properties, helping about 1,000 seniors. Upgrades include work on lobbies and entrances, windows, plumbing, elevators, exteriors and interiors, sprinklers and bathrooms.
Funding is through the Canada-Nova Scotia Social Housing Agreement. Work has already begun at Alderney Manor and other locations. The agreement, signed in 1997, includes a provision that lets provincial governments re-invest accumulated funds into existing social housing.
“Our government’s investment in affordable housing here in Nova Scotia is helping to improve the quality of life of those who benefit from these programs, and is contributing to the social well-being of the entire community,” said Mr. Armstrong. “Today’s announcement is an excellent example of funding that works to ensure that housing developments continue to be viable and affordable for years to come.”
This is the second round of investments from the $60-million deferred federal contribution, which is being used to improve the province’s aging housing projects. Nova Scotia has now committed $9 million to revitalize social housing. In March, $4 million in upgrades were announced for heating, roofing and windows, sprinkler and fire alarm systems, and improving access.
Housing Nova Scotia helps Nova Scotians secure affordable housing that meets their needs. For more information, visit www.housingns.ca .
The government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), invests about $2 billion in housing annually. Included in this amount, is $1.7 billion to support close to 600,000 households living in existing social housing, on and off reserve. In Nova Scotia, this is about 19,000 households. Other funding supports housing-related activities and affordable housing programs, including the Investment in Affordable Housing. To find out more call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca .
Source: Release
