Governments of P.E.I., Canada, announce $6.7 million in funding for affordable housing
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — 4 reasonably priced housing initiatives from Souris to Lennox Island have acquired $6.7 million in authorities funding, and can assist home 35 Islanders, from people to households.
Throughout an April 4 on-line announcement, Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s minister of housing and variety and inclusion, mentioned that Scotchfort No. 4 reserve will construct 5 new fast houses for Indigenous individuals.
Junior Gould, chief of Abegweit First Nation, mentioned that reasonably priced housing is a significant situation in First Nations communities throughout Canada, together with P.E.I.
“We all the time discuss reconciliation and steps in the correct route are a part of reconciliation,” he mentioned, noting the fast dwelling initiative is an effective place to start out.
Lennox Island First Nation additionally acquired funding to construct 10 modular houses within the fast housing venture. The neighborhood, mentioned Chief Darlene Bernard, had skilled a housing scarcity for years.
“We had been so excited to listen to that Canada was going to be implementing a housing program that may work to handle the rising housing wants within the First Nations,” she mentioned, noting that Lennox Island First Nation had utilized to the Fast Housing Initiative in December 2020 and had their utility accepted that February.
“We have now some very blissful, excited individuals in our neighborhood which are lucky to have a spot to name dwelling.”
Two different initiatives receiving funding are already accomplished.
The primary improvement at 12 McPhee Ave. in Souris, was completed in July 2020. The constructing has 5 models for seniors and 5 models for households or people who obtain help by the provincial social housing program.
Neighborhood Connections in Summerside acquired funding for its duplex at 328 and 330 Court docket St. The duplex gives 10 beds for individuals with disabilities and has full-time help providers for its tenants.
Funding breakdown
Hussen mentioned through the announcement that $4.9 million of the funding for these initiatives will come from the federal authorities by the Nationwide Housing Technique, the Nationwide Housing Co-investment Fund and the Fast Housing Initiative.
“These applications are making a constructive affect on the lives of tens of hundreds of Canadians throughout the nation,” mentioned Hussen. “With this announcement, we’re reaffirming our authorities’s dedication to serving to home Islanders who want it probably the most.”
Brad Trivers, P.E.I’s minister of social improvement and housing, mentioned the province contributed $1.8 million in funding.
“We all know a house is far more than 4 partitions and a roof,” mentioned Trivers. “It’s a spot the place individuals come to have a good time, the place they’ll really feel secure … and a spot that gives consolation and stability.”
In Hussen’s opinion, housing is a matter that impacts the well-being of each Canadian.
“The pandemic has actually underscored the significance of getting a secure and reasonably priced place to name dwelling so to be protected against the weather, and you may construct your life,” he mentioned.
Kristin Gardiner is a rural reporter with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island.
