Durham, Oshawa to get $6.7 million from Province for affordable housing

Durham Region is getting $6.7 million from the Ontario government to help deliver affordable housing solutions to those in need.

Steve Clark, the Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister, made the announcement on the final day of the virtual Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference. The funding can be used to protect homeless shelter staff and residents, add to rent banks, build affordable housing, and support plans to prepare for potential future outbreaks and/or emergencies.

Durham’s share is part of $307 million in funding announced yesterday aimed at providing “critical services, create longer-term housing solutions and keep people safe.”

The investment builds upon the $765 million dollars of Social Services Relief Funding (SSRF) announced last year, for total support to communities of more than $1 billion.

“Municipalities have been on the frontlines of Ontario’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout, while continuing to protect our most vulnerable populations, including homeless populations,” Clark said. “Our government is committed to ensuring municipalities have the resources they need to keep their communities safe, and today’s funding will help our local partners deliver critical services, support vulnerable people, and unlock affordable housing in their communities.”