MARKHAM – Low-income families, seniors and people with special needs will soon benefit from the development of 120 new affordable housing units in the Town of Markham. More than $8.4 million committed under the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing program will help fund a new affordable housing project about to begin construction.

The announcement was made by Lois Brown, MP for Newmarket-Aurora, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Canada in collaboration with Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Markham MPP, York Region Chairman and CEO Bill Fisch, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Regional and Local Councillors.

 “The Government of Canada is committed to making affordable housing available in Ontario and across Canada for those who need it most,” said MP Brown. “The creation of these units here in Markham will provide low-income families, seniors and individuals with special needs access to safe, affordable and quality housing, helping them to build a stronger future.”
 
The announcement was made at the future site of East Markham Non-Profit Homes, at 25 Deverill Court, in Markham. The $25-million project, which includes $8.4 million from the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program, is sponsored by the Markham Interchurch Committee for Affordable Housing (MICAH).

Federal and provincial allocations to the project are to be complemented by more than $3.4 million in municipal financial incentives.

The Canada – Ontario Affordable Housing Program comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for 20,000 households in Ontario.