MONCTON (CNB) – Fifty apartments for low-income seniors and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Moncton.
"With the opening of these new units, we are helping New Brunswickers care for their families by investing in safe and affordable housing," said Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, who is also minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations. "With the continued support of our partners, we are making a difference in the lives of low-income seniors and people with disabilities in our community."
The apartment complex, located at 101 Norwood Ave., cost $4.9 million and was established by St. Augustine's Housing Ltd., a non-profit developer. Completed in July 2011, the development received $2 million in federal stimulus funding to offset construction costs and close to $4 million in rent supplements from the provincial government for all 50 units.
"Our government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need,” said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. “That is why we are proud to have invested in McKee Manor. The new units are safe and affordable, and help to enhance the lives of seniors who will call them home.
Goguen attended the event 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 through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The federal and provincial governments contributed equally to the overall investment of $75 million under the amended Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
Under this agreement, 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.
McKee Manor was built to high energy-efficiency standards and involved consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of multi-unit residential buildings may qualify to receive incentives from Efficiency NB if the building meets energy efficiency targets.
LINKS:
● Department of Social Development (housing): www.gnb.ca/housing
● Efficiency NB: www.efficiencynb.ca
● Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan
