
$203M in funding announced for affordable Alberta housing
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The outlay is from the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, a 10-year program between the two governments that sees them split costs equally.
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'This is one area where we continue to see pretty significant partnership between the province of Alberta and the federal government and a strong dedication by both governments to continue to invest in housing to make sure that Canada can continue to move forward, particularly in places like Alberta, where we see unprecedented growth,' said Assisted Living and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon in announcing the spending.
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Edmonton-Centre MP and Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski said the joint spending will help address the housing crisis.
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'It shows you that when governments choose to lead and to work together, we can do really big things,' she said.
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More than $41 million of the money announced Friday is slated to be distributed across five Edmonton-area developments.
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The Brentwood Family Housing Society is slated to receive $6.69 million to build affordable housing for families, with a 12621665 Canada Association also to get $6 million for the same cause.
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The Mustard Seed Foundation is set to receive $4.67 million to build supportive housing.
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And, $4.05 million is to be devoted for Williams Hall at the former downtown YMCA site to build mixed-use affordable housing with a focus on supporting young adults, students, and individuals facing rental barriers.
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'We knew that the spirit of this new vision would involve focusing on young adult Albertans and providing them a space where they can start their adult lives on the right foot,' said Ivan Beljan, whose company is leading the development of the Williams Hall site.
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Friday's announcement sets aside just over $117 million for nine grant recipients in Calgary.
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A further $44.6 million is also set aside for seven other recipients across Alberta, including projects in St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Banff, Jasper, Okotoks, Strathmore, and Canmore.
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Separate land transfers in Olds and Fort Saskatchewan were also announced to aid in construction of affordable housing.
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