Government of Canada helps pave the way for the construction of affordable housing across Northern Ontario

Press Release

From: Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

August 8, 2024 – Sudbury, ON – Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario – FedNor

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $119,875 to help the Rural Ontario Institute (ROI) launch of the Rural Housing Information System (RHIS) in Northern Ontario. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister to Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor.

This strategic investment will enable ROI to hire a Northern Ontario Program Coordinator to roll-out the RHIS, an innovative digital tool that supports municipalities and housing stakeholders in the planning, construction and sale of affordable housing. Funded through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, this priority project is expected to on-board 145 northern municipalities to the RHIS, allowing them to better understand their housing supply and market conditions for planning and development purposes. The RHIS is currently used by 223 rural municipalities in eastern and western Ontario, which has led to the development of new affordable housing and economic development opportunities in these regions.

As part of the project, the Program Coordinator will meet with municipal, Indigenous and economic development stakeholders to introduce the RHIS and start collecting housing data. The initiative will also include system demonstrations for partners to collect feedback, improve system data and prepare for promotional sessions to encourage builders and developers to become actively involved.

Strong, growing communities create strong economies. That is why the Government of Canada is proud to be investing in projects like this one, which supports community economic development, business growth, strategic planning, and job creation in Northern Ontario.

Quotes

“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home. Today’s announcement will ensure the next generations of Canadians can find a place to live that they can afford, right here in Northern Ontario.”

–       The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
“Affordable housing is vital to our social and economic well-being and this project delivers on all fronts. The RHIS is a proven success and I’m thrilled that close to 150 Northern Ontario communities are signing up to accelerate the planning, construction and sale of affordable housing in the region. In the past 12 months alone, our government has delivered for Sudbury in the form of more than $105 million for five housing projects that have created 494 new, additional housing units.”

–       Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury
“We are pleased FedNor’s recognizes the importance the Rural Housing Information System and is stepping up to help us roll it out in municipalities and First Nations communities across Northern Ontario. Canada has a shortage of affordable housing units, and this project is helping to break down barriers, collect vital information and form strategic alliances that will lead to the construction of new affordable housing.”

–       Zviko Gwekwerere, Northern Coordinator, Rural Ontario Institute

Quick facts

• The funding announced today is provided through FedNor’s Northern Ontario Development Program, which enables communities and First Nations to increase the number of community and/or regional economic development initiatives implemented, leading to increased business investment, job creation, and regional collaboration and partnerships.
• The Government of Canada’s Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario identifies investing in building the economic development capacity of municipalities and Indigenous communities in the region as a key action.
• The Rural Housing Information System (RHIS) is an on-line automated tool that provides relevant data for the construction and sale of affordable housing including demographic, economic, housing market, housing supply, municipal development incentives, and zoning and municipal comparison tools information. It is targeted for use by community stakeholders, municipalities, builders, developers, housing corporations, and Realtors.

Associated links

• To find out more about our programs and services, please visit: fednor.canada.ca
• Follow us on X @FedNor

Contacts
Jennifer Kozelj
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor
jennifer.kozelj@sac-isc.gc.ca

Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
Media Relations

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