The County of Renfrew has been offered $5-million to renovate and repair existing affordable and community housing.
Director of Community Services Laura LePine says the funding will come from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) from the National Housing Co-Investment Fund.
The $5-million contribution by the CMHC comes with a list of conditions.
The County of Renfrew will have to upgrade at least 500 affordable units, units must have affordable rent for at least 20-years after the upgrades are completed, at least 100 units must meet accessibility criteria, a minimum 25 percent reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas is required and the County must ensure a minimum of 33 percent of units are targeted for women or women and their children.
The County of Renfrew must also provide 70 percent of the total repair costs with the $5-million contribution only making up 30 percent of total repair costs.
On February 15th, 2023, the Renfrew County Housing Corporation and Community Services Committee recommended that County Council enter into a contribution agreement for the funding.
(written by: Rudy Kadlec)