Mark King, Chairman of CASSDN and city councilor in North Bay, says this was the second time the organization has applied for funding from the Early Housing Creation Initiative.
This Canadian government program is offered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
North Bay Councilor Mark King
Photo : CBC/Erik White
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It’s very disappointing, in the sense that people put a lot of effort into
, says Dan Roveda, city councilor in West Nipissing and vice-president of the CASSDN.
The projects were ready to be built
, he adds.
Dan Roveda, himself a former public servant, understands that the initiative’s total funding was limited.
He hopes, however, that the federal government will provide more funds in the coming years, as the needs are only growing.
According to Mr. Roveda, the most recent count shows 300 people considered homeless.
That’s at least 118 more than in 2018.
North Bay City Councilor Johanne Brousseau is also convinced that the new housing is needed.
« We know that the solution is to put that person to safety and put up a roof, keep him warm and feed him. »
The board of directors of social services will soon meet with federal deputies Marc Serré and Anthony Rota to better understand the causes of the refusal.
The latter had no comments to share on this matter when he was met by Radio-Canada on Friday.
Anthony Rota, MP for Nipissing — Timiskaming, was stingy on the housing issue on Friday.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Zacharie Routhier
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Other requests could be filed in the coming months, according to Mr. Roveda and Ms. Brousseau.
In an email sent to CBC, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation says it cannot comment on specific projects.
She admits that there are not enough funds for all proposed projects, despite an increase in the amount allocated to the program in the 2021 federal budget.
We will continue to ensure that more Canadians have a safe and affordable place to live.
, can we read in the email from the SCHL.
We will work closely with unsuccessful applicants and other levels of government to find positive housing solutions and outcomes.
With information from Sarah MacMillan of CBC and Zacharie Routhier
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