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CHF Canada media release
 Previous release Media release index Next release February 5, 2009, Ottawa – Canada’s 2,200 housing co‑ops have lots of ideas on how to use the federal budget’s funding for renovation of existing social housing stock, the Co‑operative Housing Federation of Canada said today. They just need to know how to apply for it. Speaking at a media event at Eastern Ontario Christian Seniors Co‑operative Homes in Nepean Karla Skoutajan, CHF Canada’s Director, Sector Development, said housing co‑ops are pleased at the funding announcement. “Our members have projects ready to go. We look forward to discussing this further with the Minister and her staff, and finding out how we can move forward quickly with this work.” At the co‑op, Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) said, “In a time of economic uncertainty, housing is of particular importance to Canadians,” said Minister Finley. “Strengthening the stock of social housing will help vulnerable Canadians, while also creating jobs and opportunities now for those in construction and other industries.” “Housing co‑ops have been promoting this idea for several years,” Skoutajan said about the $1 billion fund to renovate existing social housing and for energy retrofits. “Our members live in older buildings and want to renovate so they can preserve Canada’s investment in affordable housing. They’ve also been leaders in looking at ways save money on energy costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Co‑ops are ready to start their projects now” said CHF Canada’s Executive Director Nicholas Gazzard. “We’ve been getting lots of calls and questions. Mainly they want to know how to access the funds.” CHF Canada is also interested to learn how the funding for new affordable housing can be used to create new housing co‑ops and to add units to existing co‑ops. ”Housing co‑operatives have been providing affordable housing for Canadians for over 40 years. We think they can play a strong role in helping respond to Canada’s affordable housing need.” CHF Canada is the national voice of the Canadian co‑operative housing movement. Its members include nearly 900 non-profit housing co‑operatives and other organizations across Canada. More than a quarter of a million Canadians live in housing co‑ops, in every province and territory. For more information: |
