Speaking Notes for

Mr. Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St. Catharines

On behalf of

The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development

Official Opening for The James Street Affordable Housing Project

39 James Street
St. Catharines, Ontario
August 22, 2006
11 a.m.

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Good morning. Bonjour.

I am pleased to join you on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development — and the Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. Today, we are here to celebrate the opening of the James Street affordable housing project.

The transformation of this former Stokes Seed Company building built in the 1800s, into affordable housing is a positive step towards the revitalization of the St. Catharines downtown core.

The strength of Canada is the strength of our communities. That's why the federal government is providing support for projects like this one. The James Street project will provide 19 units of affordable housing while preserving the legacy of this historic building.

The redevelopment of this site is just one example of similar efforts taking place across the country. In May, I had the opportunity to place a time capsule at another former Stokes Seeds building also in St. Catharines. When complete, that building will be transformed into new homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities.

Last year, in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, a chocolate factory received funding towards the creation of affordable housing for lower-income individuals in that community. Similarly, in Ituna, Saskatchewan, a 1950s schoolhouse was transformed into affordable housing, giving individuals with disabilities in that community the opportunity to live independently.

Canada’s new government is very proud to fund this project, through federal funding of $456,000 under CMHC’s Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program — or RRAP.

RRAP provides financial assistance to repair homes occupied by low income households to minimum health and safety levels. This program is also used to create housing by converting non-residential buildings into residential use.

Through CMHC, our national housing agency for more than 60 years, the federal government provides approximately $2 billion a year in housing assistance across the country. This primarily supports some 633,000 lower-income households. For the people of Ontario, this represents a total of about $705 million annually — in support of about 237,000 lower-income households.

My government believes that all Canadians should have a fair chance to own or rent their own home. That’s why our 2006 federal Budget also provided a one-time strategic investment of $1.4 billion in new housing trust funds for provinces and territories to invest in affordable housing.

Today's event marks an important step forward for the people of St. Catharines and demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together. When it comes to building communities, it takes the efforts of many to achieve success. It takes partnerships at all levels of government. And it also takes creative and innovative people with a vision.

Thank you to all those involved in this project especially Exothermal Industries Inc. You have done an outstanding job of redeveloping this building and enhancing the quality of life for the people of this community.

I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best.

Thank you for joining us today. Merci.