A federal and provincial funding investment of close to $5 million is supporting affordable housing in Halton. This funding (external link) has been provided through a combined investment between the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative, Ontario Priorities Housing Initiative, Social Infrastructure Fund and the Investment in Affordable Housing Extension, along with supplemental funding from Halton Region.
The funding has supported the development of the Catherton Charitable Foundation project in Milton, an 83-unit infill development containing 34 assisted housing units. In fact, additional operating funding through the Halton Rental Assistance Program (HRAP) has meant that the Region will be supporting 21 of these 34 units, to achieve deeper affordability for clients housed through Halton Access to Community Housing (HATCH). The rent for the assisted housing units will be maintained at 80 per cent of the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Average Market Rent for at least 20 years. The units themselves have been made available to qualified Halton residents of all ages, and we currently have full occupancy, which speaks to the need for more projects like this one in our community.
This development is one example of initiatives with our Comprehensive Housing Strategy (external PDF) that aims to build communities and create housing that meets the needs of all residents by 2024. This is supported by a multi-year financial plan that includes $107 million of Regional investment in social infrastructure.
Halton continues to invest significantly in housing, and advocate to all levels of government for predictable and sustainable funding. These strong partnerships are critical in addressing the housing challenges as our community continues to grow.
To learn more about community housing in Halton, please access the Comprehensive Housing Strategy 2014-2024 (external PDF) and visit Advocating for a Strong Halton on halton.ca.
By supporting safe, affordable and accessible housing, we keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.