Finding a home
$6.7 million for affordable housing in P.E.I. announced
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – Four affordable housing projects from Souris to Lennox Island have received $6.7 million in government funding, and will help house 35 Islanders, from individuals to families.
During an April 4 online announcement, Ahmed Hussen, Canada’s minister of housing and diversity and inclusion, said that Scotchfort No. 4 reserve will build five new rapid homes for Indigenous people.
Junior Gould, chief of Abegweit First Nation, said that affordable housing is a major issue in First Nations communities across Canada, including P.E.I.
“We always talk about reconciliation and steps in the right direction are part of reconciliation,” he said, noting the rapid home initiative is a good place to start.
Lennox Island First Nation also received funding to build 10 modular homes in the rapid housing project. The community, said Chief Darlene Bernard, had experienced a housing shortage for years.
“We were so excited to hear that Canada was going to be implementing a housing program that would work to address the growing housing needs in the First Nations,” she said, noting that Lennox Island First Nation had applied to the Rapid Housing Initiative in December 2020 and had their application approved that February.
“We have some very happy, excited people in our community that are fortunate to have a place to call home.”
Two other projects receiving funding are already completed.
The first development at 12 McPhee Ave. in Souris, was finished in July 2020.
The building has five units for seniors and five units for families or individuals who receive support through the provincial social housing program.
Community Connections in Summerside received funding for its duplex at 328 and 330 Court St. The duplex provides 10 beds for people with disabilities and has fulltime support services for its tenants.
FUNDING BREAKDOWN
Hussen said during the announcement that $4.9 million of the funding for these projects will come from the federal government through the National Housing Strategy, the National Housing Co-investment Fund and the Rapid Housing Initiative.
“These programs are making a positive impact on the lives of tens of thousands of Canadians across the country,” said Hussen.
“With this announcement, we are reaffirming our government’s commitment to helping house Islanders who need it the most.”
Brad Trivers, P.E.I.’s minister of social development and housing, said the province contributed $1.8 million in funding.
“We know a home is much more than four walls and a roof,” said Trivers. “It’s a place where people come to celebrate, where they can feel safe … and a place that provides comfort and stability.”
In Hussen’s opinion, housing is an issue that impacts the well-being of every Canadian.
“The pandemic has really underscored the importance of having a safe and affordable place to call home so that you can be protected from the elements, and you can build your life,” he said.