Feds commit $37M to 150 affordable housing units in Hamilton, Niagara
The federal government has announced $37 million in funding to support construction of more than 150 new affordable housing units across four projects in Niagara Region and Hamilton.
The government announced $10.5 million in funding to support a project in Welland on January 18. The money will go toward a new project located at 60 York Street that will provide 42 affordable homes for women and children fleeing domestic violence, those who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness, people with physical disabilities, Indigenous people, and Black Canadians.
"This funding will enable Niagara Regional Housing to develop, and provide, a safe and affordable space for individuals and families to call home,” said Niagara Regional Housing chair and St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik. “At the end of 2021, there were more than 7,500 households on the waiting list for affordable housing in Niagara Region. This project offers a beacon of hope to these individuals."
The following week, on January 25, the federal government committed a further $26.7 million to three affordable housing projects in Hamilton.
The first project, located at 35 Arkledun Avenue, will convert a former commercial school into 73 units targeted towards women, transgender and non-binary community members who are experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness. This project will receive $12.9 million under the Cities Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) and $3.35 million under the federal government’s homelessness strategy program.
The second project is located at 253 King William Street. Operated by CityHousing Hamilton, this project will provide an estimated 24 units for women and their children, those experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness, and for Black Canadians. The project will receive $6.4 million under the Project Stream of the RHI.
The final project is operated by St. Matthew's House at 412 Barton Street East This will create 12 units for Black Canadians and Indigenous people. This project will receive $3.8 million under the Project Stream of the RHI.
In total, the three Hamilton projects will create 109 new affordable housing units.
"The city is grateful for the Government of Canada's support and investment towards meeting the housing needs of vulnerable residents who are experiencing, or near the point of experiencing, homelessness in our community,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger. “COVID-19 has intensified the need to access affordable housing in our growing city. This announcement is a critical step to address and help end the cycle of homelessness."
Funding for all four projects is being allocated through the $2.5-billion federal RHI, which aims to quickly create more than 10,000 new affordable homes for Canadians who need it most.
Featured image: Rendering of the front of the housing building in Welland. (Government of Canada)