Canada and Ontario funding 50 affordable homes in Hamilton

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Federal and provincial funding totalling $5.8 million will help the City of Hamilton build McQuesten Lofts – affordable, secure housing.

About 20 per cent of the units will be for Indigenous people and the rest will be for chronically homeless, individuals transitioning from provincially funded institutions, individuals with mental health and addictions issues and persons with disabilities.

The National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) is a program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

With a budget of $13.2 billion, the NHCF plans to:

  • Create up to 60,000 new homes
  • Repair up to 240,000 homes
  • Create or repair at least 4,000 shelter spaces for victims of family violence
  • Create at least 7,000 new homes for seniors
  • Create at least 2,400 new homes for people with developmental disabilities

The Social Infrastructure Fund (SIF) was a joint federal-provincial program that funded the creation and repair of affordable housing, provided down payment assistance for homeownership, and provided rental assistance to families and individuals in need.

“McQuesten Lofts is providing support for the most vulnerable in Hamilton, by helping them rebuild lives, and gain independence, while accessing critical support services,” said Ahmed Hussen, minister of housing.

A news release states “the project aims to assist the most vulnerable populations by creating a home where their lives are transformed and they can flourish in a community of belonging.

“Fully independent apartments provide tenants the opportunity to create a life of their own with safety, privacy, and dignity.”

The federal government is contributing over $3 million to support the project and $2.8 million is being provided by the province through the Affordable Housing Bilateral Agreement.

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