Nearly $25M from federal government fund will build and repair affordable housing in Waterloo region

The federal government has announced $96 million to build and repair affordable homes in southern Ontario, including $24 million for projects in Waterloo region.

The announcement was made in Kitchener on Thursday by Minister of Families, Children and Social Development Jenna Sudds. The funding comes through the affordable housing fund, which provides low-interest and forgivable loans to municipalities and housing partners.

Minister Sudds says the funding will help Canadians save money.

"It's about helping Canadians build the lives that they deserve in a home that meets their needs. It's about building strong, resilient communities where everyone has a chance to grow and to thrive," she said during the press conference on Thursday.

The funding will be used to create or repair 2,299 units in Waterloo region. Out of that, 48 units will be located at 82 Wilson Avenue in Kitchener,where the funding announcement was held.

Kitchener Centre MP Mike Morricereacted to the fact that a portion of the new funding will be formaking repairs and not for brand new units.

"At minimum 1,985 (86%) of the listed units are for repairs, leaving 314 at most for new units. It's not nearly enough," Morrice said in an emailed statement. "After three decades of underinvestment, this government must do so much more to demonstrate they understand of what it takes to address the housing crisis we're in."

Funded projects

Waterloo region projects getting funding are:

• 82 Wilson Ave. in Kitchener$2.4 million,
• Kitchener Housing Inc. repairs$1 million,
• New Generation Co-op in Kitchener site water pipe replacement $267,000.
• Beaver Creek Housing Co-operative in Waterloo $750,000.
• ShelterCare in Waterloo $2.4 million.
• Region of Waterloo for repairs $12 million.
• St. Mark's Place in Kitchener $2.1 million.
• Sheldon Supportive Housing in Kitchener $1.8 million.
• Home Concept Property in Cambridge for repairs $1.25 million.
• 544 Bridgeport Rd. E in Kitchener $830,000.

As well, Guelph Non-Profit Housing Corporation will receive $5.45 million for repairs and County of Wellington will receive $12 million for repairs.

The $96 million funding announcement also included projects in Brantford, Woodstock, Norfolk County, Hanover, Stratford, Orangeville and Owen Sound.