Ottawa Unveils 2025 Budget with Focus on Transportation and Affordable Housing

The City of Ottawa has released its draft budget for 2025, focusing on transportation improvements and expanding affordable housing options. This budget reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining essential services while addressing current financial challenges.

Over the past two years, the city has implemented strong financial planning, conducted service reviews, and adopted innovative solutions. The 2025 draft budget identifies $54.2 million in savings through service reviews and efficiency measures, bringing total savings since 2023 to $207.7 million.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe stated, “This budget has been difficult to prepare, especially with the affordability crisis facing many residents. In order to invest in what matters most—emergency services, public transit, affordable housing, roads, and supports for the most vulnerable—we’ve had to make tough decisions. This budget strikes a responsible balance, keeping tax increases low while addressing Ottawans’ top priorities.”

The draft budget includes significant investments in affordable housing to address Ottawa’s housing crisis. Key initiatives include funding from various programs to support shelters, housing loss prevention programs, and supportive housing initiatives. The City is also working to streamline housing development through zoning updates and faster approvals.

In terms of transportation, the draft budget includes major investments in transportation infrastructure to improve mobility across the city. Investments in road rehabilitation, resurfacing, pedestrian and road safety initiatives, and public transit are highlighted. Public transit improvements include the opening of new O-Train lines, replacing aging buses with zero-emission vehicles, implementing service efficiency programs, and expanding Para Transpo service.

The draft budget will be reviewed by city council committees in the coming weeks and could be approved by city council on December 11. City Manager Wendy Stephanson sees the budget as a pivotal step in addressing the city’s most pressing issues, showcasing the city’s commitment to tackling challenges and making prudent investments in the city’s future.

Residents can visit ottawa.ca for more details on the 2025 draft budget and its impact on the city’s development and growth.

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Ottawa and Quebec introduce ‘new business model’ to accelerate affordable housing

The Canadian government, together with Quebec and the City of Montreal, have unveiled exciting plans to build 1,001 affordable homes in Montreal and Rimouski. This initiative is made possible through a new fast-track housing program that aims to provide much-needed housing options for residents in these communities.

Developer Société de développement Angus will receive $193.5 million in subsidies to quickly build 677 units in Montreal and 324 in Rimouski. This funding covers approximately half of the total cost to construct the units, which will be required to remain affordable for at least 35 years. The rental prices will be set by the provincial housing agency to ensure affordability for residents.

The new homes are part of a new business model that expedites the process of building affordable housing by partnering with experienced developers known for their efficiency. Developers interested in participating in the program can apply, and selections will be made based on criteria such as past construction quality and the ability to meet budgets and deadlines.

Quebec Housing Minister France-Élaine Duranceau highlights the importance of this program in addressing the housing needs of residents in these communities. Both the City of Montreal and Rimouski are also contributing to the funding for these homes, demonstrating a collaborative effort to tackle the affordable housing crisis.

This innovative approach to affordable housing construction shows a commitment from government entities and developers to work together to create sustainable housing solutions for Canadians. By streamlining the process and leveraging the expertise of experienced developers, these new units will help address the growing demand for affordable housing in Montreal and Rimouski.

Overall, this fast-track housing program represents a significant step towards providing accessible and affordable housing options for residents in need. With a focus on efficiency and quality construction, these new units will make a meaningful impact in addressing the affordable housing challenge in these communities.

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The Federal Government Funds Affordable Housing Development in Vancouver for 4894 Homes

The federal government’s recent announcement of more than $197.2 million in contributions and low-cost loans through the Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) is set to make a significant impact in Vancouver. The funding will help build and repair 4,910 affordable homes in the city, with one of the highlighted projects being the Ashley Mar Housing Co-operative at 8460 Ash St., which received $22.8 million in funding.

The Ashley Mar Housing Co-operative project will see the replacement of 54 townhomes with a new building comprised of 125 homes ranging in size from one-to-five-bedrooms, located near the Marine Drive Canada Line station. This is just one example of how the federal funding from the AHF is being used to create new affordable housing options and repair existing homes.

In total, the federal funding is expected to create 562 new homes and repair 4,348 homes in Vancouver through the AHF. This program provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to support the construction of new affordable housing as well as the renovation and repair of existing affordable and community housing.

Additionally, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is implementing the Frequent Builder framework, which streamlines the application process for the AHF and the Apartment Construction Loan Program. Housing providers with a track record of building multi-residential units can qualify for Frequent Builder status, which provides expedited access to funding. Different criteria apply to non-profit and for-profit organizations seeking this status.

Aside from the Ashley Mar Housing Co-operative, other notable projects receiving funding include a City of North Vancouver project with 89 units, the Brightside 8705 French Street redevelopment project in Vancouver funding 100 units, and the Heather Place B – Metro Van project funding 87 units. These projects showcase the diversity of affordable housing initiatives being supported by the AHF in Vancouver.

Overall, the federal government’s commitment to affordable housing in Vancouver through the AHF is a crucial step towards addressing the city’s housing needs and ensuring that all residents have access to safe and affordable housing options.

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Winnipeg encourages infill development to address the shortage of affordable housing

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham highlighted the need for more housing in his recent State of the City address, emphasizing the importance of keeping up with the surging demand. With a goal to approve 8,000 new housing units by November 30, 2024, Winnipeg is taking steps to address the growing need for housing in the city.

While Winnipeg may not be facing the same severe shortage of affordable housing as other Canadian cities, there is still work to be done. The vacancy rate has dropped significantly, and housing starts have declined, prompting the city to find innovative solutions to accommodate its growing population.

One key initiative is the promotion of infill housing, which involves building new housing units in existing neighborhoods without significantly altering the character of the area. Winnipeg aims to have at least half of all new residential units located in built-up areas and has specific targets for downtown development.

To facilitate infill development, the city is updating zoning regulations to streamline the process and make it easier for developers to build in existing neighborhoods. This approach has sparked a flurry of infill housing activity across the city, with projects such as the six-storey housing complex on Marion Street in St. Boniface and the mixed-use structure on Nairn Avenue.

In addition to infill projects, organizations like Habitat for Humanity Manitoba are also making significant contributions to affordable housing in Winnipeg. With the construction of energy-efficient townhouses and duplex units, these projects aim to provide affordable housing options for families in need.

City councillors like Sherri Rollins are supportive of new developments that contribute to the vibrancy of neighborhoods like West Broadway. The proposed seven-storey apartment building on Sherbrook Street is seen as a positive addition to the area, offering both residential and commercial spaces to meet the diverse needs of the community.

Overall, the push for more housing in Winnipeg reflects the city’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its residents and ensuring that there are diverse housing options available for all. By embracing infill development and supporting affordable housing initiatives, Winnipeg is taking proactive steps to create a more inclusive and sustainable housing market for the future.

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Federal Government Announces $1.5 Billion Fund to Safeguard Affordable Rentals

The Canadian government is taking significant steps to address the national housing crisis with the announcement of a new $1.5-billion housing fund. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that the Canada Rental Protection Fund will help non-profit organizations acquire affordable rental units and ensure they remain accessible to Canadians.

The fund, which will be included in the upcoming federal budget, will provide $1 billion in loans and $470 million in contributions to non-profits and other partners. This initiative is inspired by the success of a similar rental protection fund in British Columbia, where the need for affordable rentals is increasing as more units are lost to investors and conversions.

This announcement is part of a larger effort by the Liberal government to address the housing crisis, with Housing Minister Sean Fraser highlighting a series of policies aimed at protecting and expanding the country’s rental stock. The government has also committed to adding $15 billion to an apartment construction loan program and announced a $6-billion infrastructure fund to support homebuilding.

However, funding for provinces and territories will come with conditions, including the adoption of a renters’ bill of rights and allowing the construction of fourplexes on residential land in municipalities. While some provincial premiers have criticized the federal government for overstepping into provincial jurisdiction, the government remains focused on providing affordable housing solutions for Canadians.

Overall, the Canada Rental Protection Fund and other housing initiatives demonstrate a commitment to addressing the housing crisis and ensuring that all Canadians have access to affordable and secure rental options. With continued investment and collaboration, the government aims to make meaningful progress in improving the housing landscape across the country.

For more information, visit the official website of THE CANADIAN PRESS.

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British Columbia invests in nearly 600 new affordable rental homes in the Interior and Northregions

The British Columbia Community Housing Fund Continues to Expand Affordable Housing Options

The latest announcement from British Columbia’s Community Housing Fund brings good news to communities in the Interior and northern regions of the province. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon revealed that nearly 600 rental homes will be added through 15 new projects in partnership with local non-profit housing providers.

This development follows recent funding allocations that have already brought almost 870 affordable units to Vancouver Island and nearly 2,000 homes to Metro Vancouver. The government has identified over 40 new projects for this round of funding, aiming to add approximately 3,500 affordable rental homes across the province.

The impact of the Community Housing Fund since its launch in 2018 is significant, with a total of 12,500 homes now either open or under construction. The announcement in Okanagan Falls, where 26 rental homes for seniors are already in place, showcases the ongoing commitment to expanding affordable housing options for British Columbians in need.

As the province continues to address the housing crisis, initiatives like the Community Housing Fund play a crucial role in providing safe and stable housing for individuals and families. With the latest funding injection, communities in the Interior and northern B.C. can look forward to increased access to affordable rental homes, supporting the well-being and prosperity of residents across the region.

For more information on the Community Housing Fund and its impact on British Columbia’s housing landscape, visit the Housing Ministry’s official website.

©2024 THE CANADIAN PRESS

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New Affordable Senior Housing Now Available in Vancouver

Introducing The Aster: A New Affordable Housing Option in Vancouver

Vancouver residents seeking affordable rental homes have a new option with the opening of The Aster in east Vancouver. Developed through a partnership between BC Housing, the Brightside Community Homes Foundation, and Wall Financial Corporation, The Aster offers 82 rental homes for families, seniors, and people living with disabilities.

Located at 349 E. 6th Ave., The Aster is a 12-storey building with a variety of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. These homes will be owned and operated by Brightside, offering residents access to a range of shared amenities including an outdoor common area and rooftop urban agriculture space.

One of the key goals of The Aster is to provide affordable housing for seniors in the community. Seniors living in these new apartments will benefit from affordable rents at the same rate they had in the same neighborhood, ensuring they can continue to enjoy the community they know and love. The Aster is a prime example of multiple partners coming together to introduce affordable housing options that benefit families, seniors, and people living with disabilities.

The development of The Aster also includes the replacement of Brightside’s existing 36-unit seniors housing building at 325 E. 6th Ave., which lacked accessibility features. The old building will be sold to Wall Financial Corporation for redevelopment into a mix of market and social housing.

Of the 82 units at The Aster, 42 will have rent geared to income, with rent set at 30% of the tenant’s income. Additionally, 19 units are designated for individuals with very low incomes, such as those on income or disability assistance or receiving a basic seniors’ pension. The remaining 21 units are set at low-end market rates, providing a range of affordable options for residents.

The project received $14.6 million in funding from BC Housing, with additional annual operating funding of approximately $575,000. Wall Financial Corporation provided the land for the development and oversaw construction.

Brightside Community Homes Foundation CEO Willaim Azeroff expressed his pride in opening The Aster, noting that it is the first of many affordable rental homes that Brightside is set to open in the coming years. The provincial funding for The Aster has allowed the project to maximize affordability for residents.

The Aster represents a significant step forward in providing much-needed affordable housing options in Vancouver. With a focus on serving a diverse range of residents, including seniors and individuals with low incomes, The Aster is poised to become a valuable addition to the community.

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