Guelph to get 750 new housing units over 3 years with $21.4M in federal funding help
The funding is proof Ottawa 'is at the table with municipalities like ours,' mayor says
The City of Guelph will receive $21.4 million from the federal government to create 750 new housing units over the next three years.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in the southern Ontario city for the announcement. The funding will come from Ottawa's Housing Accelerator Fund.
"We know people have faced significant challenges right across the country in terms of housing," Trudeau said.
He said the programs the government has in place to address the housing crisis are "all part of understanding that housing doesn't have a one-size-fits-all solution."
Hopes for even more housing
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said the funding announcement shows Ottawa is willing to work with municipalities to get housing built.
Guthrie said new housing units are "dearly needed" in Guelph and will spur more housing developments.
"We all know we need it and this is the program that's really going to help unlock that for our community," he said.
"Today's announcement is just proof again that the federal government is at the table with municipalities like ours, and like others across the country, making things happen. That is exactly what municipalities need."
Daria Allan-Ebron is chief executive officer of the non-profit Kindle Communities, which is building a supportive housing project at 10 Shelldale Cr. in Guelph. People who live at the site will also benefit from services like the Guelph Community Health Centre and Stonehenge Therapeutic Community.
"We can't wait to show off 10 Shelldale," Allan-Ebron said during Friday's announcement. "We do partnership well in Guelph. We are fortunate that this project has broad community support."