MP Allen Pleased With Affordable Housing Funds

February 23, 2010

TOBIQUE-MACTAQUAC – Five Carleton County affordable housing projects are receiving over $575,000 in federal and provincial funding for renovations and upgrades.

“It’s always a pleasure to assist low-income seniors, families and individuals who need and deserve safe and affordable housing,” said Tobique-Mactaquac Member of Parliament Mike Allen, who was on hand for the announcement last week. “Repairs to 48 units include electrical, plumbing, fire safety, energy improvements and site works. Besides improving safety, these upgrades should also lower the day-to-day energy costs for tenants, which I’m sure will be welcomed.

As well, the investment helps the local economy by putting construction workers and trades people to work quickly.

The announcement was made by Social Development Minister Kelly Lamrock, who is also the minister responsible for housing, and National Revenue Minister Keith Ashfield, who is the minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Atlantic Gateway.

The projects in Carleton County consist of Eastwood Housing Co-operative Ltd. in Woodstock, which will receive $25,000; Province of New Brunswick (Department of Social Development) projects in Woodstock, $492,038.22 and $17,500, in Beechwood, $28,820; and Summerfield, $12,000.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is helping Canadians during these tough economic times,” said Minister Ashfield, who spoke on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Minister Lamrock commented that affordable housing is a key component of the provincial government’s “Overcoming Poverty Together: The New Brunswick Economic and Social Inclusion Plan” to ensure New Brunswickers have a quality, energy efficient place to call home.

Besides the Carleton County projects and renovation projects in Fredericton, Tannery Court II, a new housing development which will create 40 units for low-income seniors, was also announced. This development, located on Brookside Drive, will include four accessible units for those with disabilities. It will receive $1.6 million under federal stimulus funding to offset construction costs, as well as more than $2.6 million in rent supplements from the provincial government.