SAINT JOHN (GNB) – Ninety-six new apartments for low-income individuals, families, seniors and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Saint John.
"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, individuals, families and people with disabilities in our community."
The apartment complex, located at 181 Charlotte St., was built at a cost of more than $14 million. It was established by Abbey St. Andrew Inc., a non-profit organization.
Completed in September, the development received $2.2 million in federal funding to offset construction costs and close to $4.3 million in rent supplements from the provincial government for 55 units.
"Our government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need in New Brunswick," said Saint John MP Rodney Weston. "Through projects such as this one, we are providing safe, affordable housing to residents in our community, including seniors and families.”
Weston appeared on behalf of Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.
Funding for this project was made available as a result of a joint investment under the
2009 extension of the Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Initiative.
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 can apply for funding
Abbey St. Andrew 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
20-03-12
