SUSSEX (CNB) – Twenty-four new apartments for low-income individuals, families and people with disabilities were officially opened today on Freeze Court in Sussex.

"This is an exciting day for the people of Sussex," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, who is also minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations.  "The construction of this facility provides low-income individuals, families and people with disabilities with the housing support and opportunity they may need. We appreciate the tireless work of all the people who came together to make this project a reality."  

The Freeze Court development was established by Sussex Resource Centre Inc., a non-profit organization. The development received $960,000 in federal funding toward construction costs and more than $1.8 million in rent supplements from the provincial government for all 24 units.

"These housing units are a vital addition to the community, a new place to call home for low-income families, individuals and people with disabilities," said Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore. "Our government is making investments such as this because we understand that having a safe and affordable place to call home is important to Canadian families and their communities."

Moore spoke on behalf of Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Funding was made available as a result of a joint investment under the amended Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

The amendment to this agreement, which implements a two-year extension of the Affordable Housing Initiative as well as funding under Canada's Economic Action Plan, brings $42.66 million in federal funding to the province.

The provincial government will match that commitment for a total of $85.32 million to help those who need housing and, in collaboration with other levels of government and community partners, to make various types of affordable housing programs possible.

Funding is available to private non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community or private developers interested in developing projects for low-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.

The development at Freeze Court was built to high energy-efficiency standards, and involved consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of affordable housing projects for low-income individuals may receive an incentive of $2,000 per apartment unit if the building is heated by low greenhouse gas emission technologies as approved by Efficiency NB.

LINKS:

●    Department of Social Development (housing): www.gnb.ca/housing
●    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan


07-07-11