Municipalities Welcome $1.2 Billion Investment in Social Housing 

Toronto, Ontario, March 20, 2009 – The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) welcomes today’s announcement by Premier McGuinty that the Government of Ontario would match new federal housing investments included in the 2009 Federal Budget.  The combined Federal and Provincial investment will equal $1.2 billion over two years. 

“This $1.2 billion investment in housing will provide greater access to affordable housing, improve the quality and energy efficiency of social housing, and create jobs in every part of Ontario,” said Peter Hume, President of AMO.

The combined Federal and Provincial funding is expected to renovate 50,000 social housing units and build 4,500 new affordable housing units.  The Provincial and Federal governments will each invest:

• $352 million to repair social housing units and make them more energy efficient,
• $185 million to create new affordable housing for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, and
• $87.5 million to extend the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

“AMO is committed to working with the Province to ensure these investments are delivered quickly to improve housing and create jobs in all areas of the province,” said Hume.  “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of Federal and Provincial funding for housing.”  

The Premier also said the Province is proposing to increase the new Ontario Child Benefit to maximum of $1,100 per child per year in July, from $600. The Child Benefit is funded 100 per cent by the Province.    

AMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario’s 444 municipal governments.  AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontario and promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential component of Ontario and Canada’s political system. 

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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Brian Lambie, AMO Media Contact, 416-729-5425