Politicians from all three levels of government announced last Tuesday they will be investing over $45 million to create 75 affordable housing units in Vaughan. Woodbridge Lane, scheduled for completion in 2019, will feature 162 units for families, individuals, and seniors, including 75 units funded by the Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH).

The complex will also feature indoor and outdoor play spaces for young children, a rooftop garden, and accessible units for people with disabilities. “Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Vaughan and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most,” Vaughan-Woodbridge MP, Francesco Sorbara states. “Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we are able to give a helping hand to individuals in need, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community.”

Sorbara also addressed the lack of housing affordability, in which he stated there are over 1.5 million Canadians in need of sufficient housing. “I can’t think of anything that is truly more fundamentally important for individuals of all ages than to have shelter.” Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca expressed. Duca and Sorbara also discussed Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), the first-ever national project that aims to build 100,000 new units, repair 300,000 dated ones, and reduce homelessness by 50 per cent. This strategy, which was introduced in November 2017 by the Liberal Government, will spend nearly $40 billion over a ten-year time period. Additionally, it aims to provide 300,000 households with financial assistance through the Canada Housing Benefit, remove 530,000 households from housing needs, and protect 385,000 households from losing an affordable home.