TRACADIE-SHEILA (CNB) – Twenty-five new apartments for low-income seniors and people with disabilities were officially opened today in Tracadie-Sheila.

"With the opening of these new units, we are making a difference in the lives of low-income seniors and people with disabilities in our community," said Tracadie-Sheila MLA Claude Landry. "With the continued support of our partners, we are helping New Brunswickers care for their families by investing in safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals, families and people with disabilities."

Landry attended the event on behalf of Social Development Minister Sue Stultz, who is also minister responsible for seniors, housing and community non-profit organizations.

The apartment complex, located at 601 Saulnier Street West, cost $2.6 million and was established by Habitation St-Joseph Inc., a non-profit organization. Completed in June, the development received $800,000 in federal stimulus funding to offset construction costs and almost $1.6 million in rent supplements from the provincial government for 20 of the 25 units.

"Our government is investing in affordable housing here in Tracadie-Sheila, to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most," said Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Robert Goguen. "These initiatives will help seniors and persons with disabilities living on low-income in our community, access safe and affordable housing that meets their needs."

Goguen attended the event on behalf of Diane Finley, minister of human resources and skills development, and minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Funding was made available through Canada's Economic Action Plan. The federal and provincial governments contribute equally to the overall investment of $75 million under the amended Canada-New Brunswick Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Under this agreement, funding is available to private non-profit organizations, co-operatives, and community or private developers interested in developing projects for low-income families, seniors, non-elderly singles, disabled persons and persons with special needs.

Habitation St-Joseph was built to high energy-efficiency standards and involved consultation with Efficiency NB. Builders of multi-unit residential buildings may qualify to receive incentives from Efficiency NB if the building meets energy efficiency targets.

LINKS:

●    Department of Social Development (housing):  www.gnb.ca/housing
●    Efficiency NB: www.efficiencynb.ca
●    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.: www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan


28-11-11