On December 15, 2009 MPP Yasir Naqvi joined Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Jim Watson to announce Ontario’s support for 42 new affordable housing units in Ottawa.

In partnership with the Government of Canada, Ontario is investing over $6 million in Cornerstone Housing for Women’s project to build 42 supportive housing units at 314 Booth Street. This new building will create 20 units for senior women and 22 housing units for women, providing supportive housing to some of the most vulnerable women in our community.

This investment is in addition to the $6 million Ontario has invested in a 55-unit project sponsored by Shepherds of Good Hope, the $18.3 million dedicated to build 248 new units (at Beaver Barracks) in partnership with the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation, and the over $25 million invested in repairs and upgrades to existing affordable housing units throughout the city.

We understand the importance of “home”, and that is why our government is committed to improving access to affordable housing in Ontario. In June 2009, we signed the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Agreement with the federal government and pledged to invest a total of $1.2 billion over two-years. The projects highlighted above are part of this investment.

In addition to these investments, Minister Watson has been working on completing his Affordable Housing Consultations and reviewing the feedback. On August 19, I hosted a community consultation on affordable housing to gather feedback and I have submitted these ideas to Minister Watson. I look forward to his final report released next year.

Together, we are working hard to ensure that all Ontarians have a safe, clean and affordable place to call home.