Canada's Economic Action Plan helps renovate/retrofit social housing in B.C.

MAPLE RIDGE, BC, Oct. 15 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada announced today that Haney Pioneer Village Co-operative will receive $208,462 to repair and replace the original single-pane windows with new "Energy Star" windows, as part of the social housing renovation and retrofit investments announced in Canada's Economic Action Plan.

The announcement was made at Haney Pioneer Village Co-operative by Randy Kamp , MP, Pitt Meadows - Maple Ridge - Mission, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley , Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada , and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, the Government announced $1 billion for social housing renovation and retrofit. Of the $1 billion , $850 million is being delivered by provinces and territories on a cost-matched basis for existing federally assisted social housing projects which they administer on behalf of the partnership. The remaining $150 million is being delivered by CMHC for existing federally assisted off-reserve housing which it directly administers. Eligible repairs include general improvements, energy efficiency upgrades or conversions, and modifications in support of persons with disabilities.

"Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, our government is taking action to help ensure our economic recovery and create the conditions for long-term growth," said MP Randy Kamp . "Funding renovation and retrofit projects, like this one, will not only improve the quality of life of its residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable, but it will also help stimulate the local economy and create jobs."

Haney Pioneer Village Co-operative is an 84-unit seniors' complex built in the early 1970's. The original single-pane windows that are now outdated and inefficient will be replaced with new double-pane "Energy Star" white slider windows.

"We are delighted that our co-operative will benefit from the federal government's renovation and retrofit initiative delivered by CMHC. Not only will this funding make our co-op more energy efficient, but it will also help ensure these homes are available to meet the needs of future generations," said Richard Silver , President of Haney Pioneer Village Co-operative.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and protect those hit hardest by the global recession, can be found at: www.actionplan.gc.ca.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

For further information: Media inquiries: Michelle Bakos, Office of Minister Finley, [phone]; Andrea Scott, CMHC Media Relations, BC, [phone]; Charles Sauriol, CMHC Media Relations, [phone]