The federal government has announced a $116 million financial commitment through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund (NHCF) for much-needed affordable housing repairs in more than 11,332 units across Toronto. The investment will help support Toronto Community Housing Corporation’s 2019 Capital Repair Plan to improve living conditions, accessibility and comfort for tenants, while making the units more energy efficient.
This represents the first year of investments under the $1.3 billion partnership with the City of Toronto – the largest federal housing investment with a municipal partner in Canadian history – to support the renovation of more than 58,000 affordable housing units as announced by Prime Minister Trudeau in April, 2019.
The announcement took place at Griggs Manor (98 and 100 Cavell Ave. in Etobicoke), a recently completed capital renewal project that showcases the types of accessibility improvements and energy-efficiency upgrades that will now be extended throughout TCHC’s portfolio, thanks to the federal investments.
“Today’s announcement is a clear example the federal government is back in housing,” said Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The City of Toronto has been working on a solution to the TCHC repair backlog for a decade. I am so proud to be part of a government that’s delivering real support for thousands of Toronto families.”
“I want to thank the federal government for their commitment towards much needed repairs in 1,500 Toronto Community Housing buildings across the city,” added John Tory, Mayor of Toronto. “Today’s announcement is a great example of when governments come together to get things done for residents and together invest in communities across the city. The close to $116 million commitment made today will provide families access to good, quality homes and ensure that we are investing in people and communities that need it the most.”
The announcement at Griggs Manor represents the first investments in support of TCHC’s 2019 Capital Repair plan. Residents at the property are now benefitting from improved accessibility in the common areas, upgraded kitchens, washrooms, activity rooms and offices, wider access doors and turn spaces, and improved energy efficiency as a result of new boilers.
“This federal funding is allowing TCHC to accelerate the City’s greening program, continue expanding accessibility and improving living conditions for tenants, and protect Toronto’s $10-billion social housing portfolio for present and future generations,” said Deputy Mayor and TCHC board member Ana Bailão.
