Seniors In St. Andrews Get New Affordable Housing
COMMUNITY SERVICES--Seniors In St. Andrews Get New Affordable Housing
Seniors in St. Andrews, Antigonish Co., will soon have access to more affordable rental housing with the approval of an $800,000 project under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.
Nova Scotia Health Minister Angus MacIsaac, on behalf of Community Services Minister David Morse, and member of Parliament Rodger Cuzner, on behalf of Joe Fontana, federal Minister of Labour and Housing, made the announcement today, April 4.
"Affordable housing that is safe, appropriate and sustainable is important to our communities because it has a positive impact on our health and well-being," said Mr. MacIsaac. "The residents of St. Andrews know all about strong, healthy communities and we are pleased to partner with them on this project."
"The government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for those Canadians who need it most," said Mr. Cuzner. "We are pleased to be making this investment to create affordable housing units for seniors in St. Andrews. Together with our partners, we are helping more people access new homes and start new lives, while contributing to sustainable communities across the province."
The government of Canada is providing $200,000 in up-front capital for the eight-unit project. The province is providing $50,000 in rent supplement funding. St. Andrews' Senior Housing Association is contributing the land -- donated by the Bergengren Credit Union Branch -- and labour for the project.
Joe Van de Wiel, chair of the St. Andrews' Senior Housing Association, said the whole community is looking forward to working on the new development.
"When projects that benefit the community come up, everyone is behind them all the way," said Mr. Van de Wiel. "Most of our seniors have lived here all their lives and contributed so much to the community. This project allows us to give back to them by creating quality, affordable housing where they can enjoy their retirement."
The one-storey building will be located on Route 316 in St. Andrews. It will contain eight one-bedroom apartments designed for seniors, with at least two barrier-free units. Construction on the project will begin this spring and is expected to be completed by September.
To date, more than $19 million has been announced by the provincial and federal governments for the construction or renovation of more than 400 units in the province. With the recent signing of the second phase of the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement, the total investment for affordable housing in Nova Scotia now stands at $56.18 million by 2008.