Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA Jason Nixon was in Sundre Monday to announce that the next round of funding for the Affordable Housing Partnership Program (AHPP) is open for applications from community partners to support innovative housing solutions.
Provincial officials say affordable housing enables families and individuals to use their income for other essential needs and to improve their quality of life. Alberta’s government says it is investing in programs to ensure Albertans have access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
Through this round of funding, Alberta’s government says it is providing $68 million to support innovative and sustainable affordable housing solutions for low-income Albertans. Public, non-profit and private sector partners can submit their affordable housing projects for funding until Oct. 16.
“The Affordable Housing Partnership Program fosters collaborative work and prioritizes the goal of making sure all Albertans have access to safe, stable, affordable housing. By working together with our municipal, non-profit and private sector partners, we will ensure we can deliver a variety of affordable housing options to meet local needs,” says Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services.
The government says the first round of funding closed in January, resulting in the approval of $124.7 million in funding for 30 projects. The program is said to have supported more than 1,100 affordable housing units across Alberta.
“Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association, ASCHA, welcomes the second round of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program, which comes at a time when Alberta’s population is rapidly growing, increasing the need for all housing, especially affordable housing options,” adds Arlene Adamson, president, Alberta Seniors and Community Housing Association. “We are appreciative of government, under Minister Jason Nixon’s leadership, for committing another funding round, which is another important step to ensure we meet Alberta’s affordable housing needs.”
The government says all the proposals will be assessed based on the local community needs, ability to achieve outcomes for Albertans with low income and value for taxpayer money.
Details on eligibility and the application process can be found online.
Alberta government quick facts
- Some notable projects completed from the first intake of the Affordable Housing Partnership Program in January include:
- $15.2 million for the City of Calgary’s Bridgeland Place Retrofit
- $14.9 million for Civida’s Lendrum Redevelopment in Edmonton
- $14.7 million for Meridian Housing Foundation’s Spruce Grove Lodge Supportive Living in Spruce Grove
- Funding for Alberta’s Affordable Housing Partnership Program is provided through the National Housing Strategy 10-year bilateral agreement between the governments of Canada and Alberta.
Click here for the list of approved projects.
Janis Irwin, Alberta NDP Critic for Housing, made the following statement in response to Nixon’s comments on affordable housing:
“Alberta is in a housing crisis that even Jason Nixon can’t deny. Working Alberta families are being forced to dedicate more and more of their income to keep a roof over their heads, sometimes at the sacrifice of other necessities like groceries or transportation.
“Shelter usage is exploding and vulnerable Albertans have been pushed into homelessness in their thousands by the UCP.
“Despite this, the UCP has chosen to invest less into new builds and regenerated units, building less than half the number of units than last year alone.
“We have called for an all-party committee to meet and take action on this real housing crisis impacting Albertans.
“Danielle Smith’s failure to address soaring housing costs is a major driver of homelessness and increased burdens on our health and justice systems.
“Every Albertan deserves a home.”
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