Feds announce Rapid Housing Initiative funding for Ottawa
Posted Feb 13, 2023 03:09:00 PM.
The federal government announced on Feb. 13 over $18.5 million in funding for Ottawa for the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).
Ottawa is one of 41 recipients for the latest round of founding and will help create 48 new affordable housing units.
“The need for affordable housing in Ottawa continues to grow,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “Thanks in part to this contribution
from the Government of Canada, we can continue working towards our goal of supporting vulnerable members of our community and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing across the city.”
This investment is also expected to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing units for Canadians in severe housing need across the country, with 25 per cent of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.
Minister of Housing, Diversity and Inclusion Ahmed Hussen told The Sam Laprade Show on Feb. 13 the newest units will be completed by late 2024.
“We are committed to making sure that we support the city of Ottawa and its goal to build thousands of affordable housing homes for our most vulnerable people,” he said.
RHI provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. The additional funding for the third round of RHI will be divided into two streams: $1 billion through the Projects Stream and $500 million towards the Cities Stream.
“To end chronic homelessness we need sustained, consistent funding,” said Member of Parliament for Ottawa Centre Yasir Naqvi. “We are doing just that through the Rapid Housing Initiative to help Canadians access safe, affordable and social housing that meets their needs, while also creating jobs for the local economy, here in Ottawa.”
Listen to the full interview with Minister Ahmed Hussen below: