The federal and provincial governments have announced commitments worth more than $89 million—as well as other supports—for a series of affordable housing projects in communities across Ontario.

In Guelph, the federal government announced that the Silver Maple Seniors Community would receive $38.9 million in funding from the federal government, and an additional $2.9 million in joint federal-provincial funding.

This funding is being delivered through CMHC's National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF), which supports new and revitalization construction of mixed-income, mixed-tenure, and mixed-use affordable housing.

The joint federal-provincial funding, meanwhile, is being provided through the Investment in Affordable Housing, Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative and Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative programs.

The Silver Maple Seniors Community, which is being developed in partnership with Amico Affiliates, will include a seven-storey apartment building (pictured) with a total of 115 units designed to help seniors live independently.

In addition, the federal government has committed up to $40.1 million in funding to the City of London—$15.5 million of which is forgivable—for the repair and reinvestment of 2,082 housing units.

That funding is also being delivered through the NHCF.

All 2,082 units under the London & Middlesex Community Housing portfolio will be for priority vulnerable groups, including those experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, people with illnesses, disabilities, or experiencing domestic violence.

The Ontario government, meanwhile, has thrown its support behind two projects.

The first, in York Region, sees the province commit $7.3 million for the construction of 24 modular transitional housing units — with onsite services and counselling supports — for vulnerable people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 

Approximately 16 units will be located in East Gwillimbury on the same site as an existing emergency shelter for families. The other eight will be located in Georgina and will be specifically geared to young people experiencing homelessness, with supports provided by the Salvation Army, which operates a youth shelter at the site.

"Housing is a fundamental need. It supports positive health and connects residents to the economy, transportation systems and community services," said York Region chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson. "Thanks to the provincial government's continued support of our most vulnerable residents, York Region can further invest in affordable transitional housing that helps those at risk of homelessness and those experiencing homelessness achieve long-term housing stability and independence."

York Region will launch community consultations on the modular housing projects and construction is expected to begin in late May and be completed by December 2021.

Finally, in Hamilton, the province’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing issued a Minister's Zoning Order, at the request of the City of Hamilton, to speed up the approvals process for 15 units at 350 King St. East, allowing the city to meet the timelines for federal government funding.

The land use change will allow residential units to be created on the site, which is currently zoned for commercial use, and help the city meet the terms of a federal funding agreement to have the new affordable housing created within a year.

"Ensuring low-income and vulnerable residents have good quality and stable housing is a key priority for the City of Hamilton. We are pleased our provincial partners have issued a Minister's Zoning Order for 350 King Street East to help meet the Rapid Housing Initiative timelines for federal government funding," said Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton. "This collaboration between our provincial and federal partners will help advance initiatives underway to support the housing needs of vulnerable members of our community."