According to a media release today (May 30), the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North, and Jeff Fawcett, Mayor for the City of Brandon announced the details of $5 million in funding for Brandon, one of the 41 recipients of the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative’s (RHI) city stream.
Hussen said, “Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Brandon. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, our government is continuing to deliver meaningful results for Canadians. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”
As part of its investment plan for the Major Cities Stream, the City of Brandon has partnered with Infrastructure Canada, the John Howard Society of Brandon, and Manitoba Hydro to approve the construction of the John Howard Society of Brandon (in partnership with Westman Youth for Christ) Transitional Housing Project, 24 new transitional housing units for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The units are to be built on 16th Street North with the goal of having construction begin by the end of the summer.
Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett said. “Today’s funding announcement through the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative is great news for our city. This $5 million investment will help create at least 24 new units, providing a safe and affordable place for the most vulnerable. Brandon will continue working with our partners to help those most in need in our region.”
“The Government of Canada is investing in affordable housing here in Brandon and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. With our partners, we are providing a helping hand for individuals and families in need, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community,” said Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North.
The release states, “the Government of Canada’s additional investment of $1.5 billion through RHI brings the program’s total to $4 billion to support the country’s most vulnerable. This investment is expected to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing units for Canadians in severe housing need across the country, with 25% of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.
RHI provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. The additional funding for the third round of RHI will be divided into two streams: $1 billion through the Projects Stream and $500 million towards the Cities Stream.”