Alberta: Morinville now home to affordable housing

The Voice of Canada News-

The governments of Alberta and Canada are bringing affordable housing to Morinville with the grand opening of Paul Krauskopf Court.

Named in honour of former local mayor Paul Krauskopf, the new facility is the first to provide Morinville residents with access to below-market rental housing. It is also the community’s first net-zero housing development. The building creates as much energy as it needs, using solar power to help keep utility costs down and ensure rent remains affordable in the long term.

This project created approximately 75 jobs in Morinville, which is about 40 kilometres north of Edmonton.

With 32 apartment units and an eight-unit townhome, the affordable housing complex has space for individuals, couples and families. Tenants began moving in on Feb. 1.

Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Ahmed Hussen and Seniors and Housing Minister Josephine Pon announced the grand opening.

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Investments like this one right here in Morinville demonstrate our government’s commitment to providing access to safe, affordable homes for vulnerable Canadians, while helping create good middle-class jobs and stimulate the economy.”Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, and Minister responsible for CMHC

“I am so pleased Morinville residents now have access to sustainable affordable housing right in their community. This project is a great example of how we can lean on partnerships to provide more flexible, fair, and inclusive housing options.”Josephine Pon, Minister of Seniors and Housing

“I am incredibly pleased to learn that some residents in Morinville will have a new, state-of-the-art, affordable place to call home – making it the first housing development of its kind in town. The fact that the housing complex is also Morinville’s first net-zero housing development is also a significant milestone for the community, and sets the standard on how to achieve an exceptionally high level of energy efficiency. I want to commend all of the involved stakeholders for their contributions to the project including the federal government via the CMHC and my colleagues in the Alberta government, and wish all of the residents best wishes as they move into their new homes in the near future.”Dale Nally, MLA for Morinville-St. Albert

“We are extremely proud of this state-of-the-art facility and believe Mr. Krauskopf would be proud to have his name associated with the facility. Mr. Krauskopf was a lifelong resident of Morinville and his compassion for and commitment to the community showed through the many things he was involved in, including his professional achievements, volunteerism and personal relationships. We look forward to Paul Krauskopf Court opening, and welcoming new residents to Morinville.”Barry Turner, mayor, Town of Morinville

“Homeland Housing is grateful for the support from the Government of Alberta, the Town of Morinville, and Stanley Construction in making this project a reality. Paul Krauskopf Court will provide safe, quality, affordable housing for many people not only now, but for years to come.”  Raymond Cormie, chief executive officer, Homeland Housing

Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure, we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth.

Quick facts

• Alberta’s government and the Government of Canada, through CMHC, jointly contributed $10 million to the project through the National Housing Strategy bilateral agreement.  
• Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $70-plus?billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home. This includes more than $13 billion committed through the 2020 Fall Economic Statement. 
• The NHS supports the most vulnerable Canadians, which includes women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, those experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, those dealing with mental health and addiction issues, veterans, LGBTQ2+, young adults, racialized groups including Black Canadians, and recent immigrants and refugees.?