Canada – Ontario Community Housing Initiative
August 28, 2023 –
Canada and Ontario Providing More Affordable Housing in the Thunder Bay District.
Thunder Bay — The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are providing $3,994,000 to help create 12 units, 20 per cent of which will be fully accessible, in the Thunder Bay District. These homes will support Indigenous people in the community. This is the first phase of a six-phase build that will eventually include 70 units.
This project is part of an investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province. COCHI is an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).
Located at 1040 Huron Ave, this three-storey building will have four 800 square foot units on each floor. The building will also contain parking for each unit as well as using an energy model that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 26 per cent.
“Thank you to the Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services Corporation for the work and leadership in building these important housing units and choosing Thunder Bay as a location. These 12 new units will offer security, stability, and a home to Indigenous people living in the community. By working closely with all levels of government and following the guidance of Indigenous partners, we are helping to address the housing shortage in our region. This is collaboration and the National Housing Strategy at work to keep our housing goals moving forward.” – The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, and Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
“With a strong sense of purpose, I am pleased to announce a significant stride towards inclusive and sustainable housing for our community through the introduction of a six-phase expansive building development, designed to house 70 units. This upcoming three-storey structure, with 12 units, underscores our unwavering commitment to inclusivity and environmental consciousness. Through features like fully accessible units, energy efficiency and affordable rental rates, we embark on a journey to elevate lives while honouring the surrounding environment and community.” – MPP Kevin Holland, Thunder Bay – Atikokan
“Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS) is humbled to be leading this development in Thunder Bay, marking a significant stride towards addressing the critical housing needs of Indigenous people. As the demand for safe and affordable housing continues to increase, our commitment remains to contributing to a society where everyone has access to a safe place, they can call home.” – Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services (OAHS)
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. That is why our government is working hard to help more Ontarians find a home that is affordable and meets their needs. I am pleased to see the strong relationships we have built with all levels of government, and we will continue to work hard to tackle Ontario’s housing crisis.” – The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario
Quick facts
· The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in a home that is affordable. It can also be used to support community housing providers whose original program arrangements are expiring and help them to become more sustainable.
· The Ontario government invested $1.2 billion in emergency funding under the Social Services Relief Fund to help municipal service managers and Indigenous program administrators respond to COVID-19, create longer-term housing solutions, and help vulnerable people, including those who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
· Ontario is also investing an additional $202 million each year for the Homelessness Prevention Program and Indigenous Supportive Housing Program – bringing Ontario’s total yearly investment to close to $700 million.
· The government’s latest housing supply action plan – Helping Homebuyers, Protecting Tenants – is the latest in a series of steps Ontario is taking to increase housing supply and help more people find a home they can afford. For more information on affordable housing, visit ontario.ca/affordablehousing.
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