NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY - MP Serré remains actively engaged with local seniors’ groups. Recently, Marc participated in the Greater Sudbury’s Seniors’ Advisory Panel meeting to further understand the needs of local residents and aging populations. Since his election in 2015, Marc has regularly met with local seniors, advocacy groups and stakeholders to help advance the physical, financial, and social health of seniors.

Marc’s motion M-106 successfully passed in the House of Commons in May 2017. M-106 called on the federal government to develop Canada’s first National Senior Strategy and helped pave the way to the creation of Canada’s first Ministry dedicated to seniors.

During the October 7^th Advisory Panel meeting a report produced by The Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario and Advocacy North was presented by Madeleine Hebert, Staff Lawyer at Sudbury Community Legal Clinic. The report further clarified the complex issues contributing to lack of adequate housing for the growing senior population, including those who want to remain in their communities but need more supports. Issues such as shorter building seasons, lack of supply, affordability of rental housing, repairs, and energy costs were among some of the challenges identified that uniquely impact Northern Ontario and regions like Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury.

Facts pulled from the report present the harsh reality surrounding housing barriers impacting seniors:

• for some small communities, as high as 70 or 80% of units are in need of major repairs
• construction costs for urban centres in Northern Ontario are estimated to be up to 33% higher than in Southern Ontario
• demand for social housing has increased and wait lists grow longer
• lack of smaller housing options is making it a challenge for downsizing seniors

Recognizing the need to take concrete action, the Federal government launched the National Housing Strategy which enabled the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation to take steps allowing greater flexibility and increased the portion of Federal contributions for housing developments in rural regions. In August 2021, the Coniston Seniors Housing Corporation successfully received nearly $18 million dollars through CMHC’s Rental Construction Financing initiative. This successful project can act as a blueprint for other communities and incite other organizations to apply for funding.

MP Serré is optimistic that Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury stakeholders will be able to benefit from the Northern Access third round of the Housing Supply Challenge opening in January 2022. Eligible organizations will share a pool of up to $80M to implement solutions. MP Serré encourages all eligible organizations such as for profit and not-for-profit organizations, Indigenous governments, and regional governments to find further information on the program. MP Serré shared program details with the 5 municipalities and 3 First Nations in Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury to strongly encourage councils to make housing a priority and take advantage of funding.

“Everyone, including seniors, young families, and those most vulnerable deserve accessible, affordable and safe housing. All levels of government must work together to ensure that adequate options are available. This includes more investments through CMHC to explore a multitude of options including the building of new developments, the conversion of vacant buildings, more support for non-profit housing and more,” said Serré. “I look forward to continued work with the people of Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury to keep delivering solutions for our seniors, young families and residents from all corners for the riding.”

Important links
North at Home report
Northern Access Round: Supply Chain Solutions for Northern and Remote Housing

Contact
Kaylie Dudgeon
Special Assistant, Marc G. Serré
MP Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416