RELATED CONTENT
City Applauds Provincial Commitment to Affordable Housing
Fredericton (June 22, 2007) - The Government of New Brunswick's recent $40 million investment in affordable housing is a major step in the right direction, the Chair of the City of Fredericton's Ad Hoc Committee on Affordable Housing says.
"The province is to be commended for its commitment to increasing the number of affordable housing units across the Province," said Councillor Mike O'Brien. "I encourage Fredericton developers and non-profit organizations to take full advantage of this funding as there is a great need for this type of housing in our city."
The new Affordable Rental Housing Program will create more than 750 new housing units in New Brunswick, increasing the supply of affordable rental housing for low income seniors, families and non-elderly singles. Ten per cent of the units will be accessible to persons with disabilities.
The Fredericton Ad Hoc Affordable Housing Committee was created by City Council in November 2006 to promote and facilitate an increase in affordable housing construction.
Its membership currently includes representatives from all three levels of government - federal, municipal and provincial - various housing community groups, the off-reserve aboriginal community and developers.
The Committee acts as an advocate for the homeless, the working poor and those with special housing needs to improve their quality of life through affordable housing. It serves as a coordinator for the stakeholder agencies and links those living with the problem to those who can provide solutions.
"Fredericton currently has the highest average rents in New Brunswick," said Coun. O'Brien. "Many low income families and individuals rely on the community food bank and kitchen so they can pay their rents and make ends meet. We are pleased to see the Province make this investment in a better quality of life for those who need it the most."
- 30 -
Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton, 506-460-2227.
