Building up to National Housing Day

November 18, 2011 -- As the winter months approach, many of us gravitate to the warmth and comfort of our homes, and thus it’s fitting that National Housing Day is recognized on November 22nd. 

It celebrates affordable housing initiatives that are making a difference in the lives of people throughout our country.  This year the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) , Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Habitat for Humanity Toronto and the City of Toronto’s Affordable Housing Office are teaming up to highlight the importance of affordable housing.

Many innovative solutions that integrate affordable housing into communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area are currently underway, making our city’s neighbourhoods vibrant places to live, work and grow.  Regent Park is one such example.  As Canada’s oldest and largest social housing project, with what was once a troubled reputation, Regent Park is being revitalized into a modern community where market units exist alongside affordable housing and a range of businesses are setting up shop.

The federal government is doing its part by directing $2 billion this year into affordable housing initiatives to improve the quality of life for Canadians in a number of target groups. These funds however, are only part of the solution: it takes government, industry, non-profit organizations and the private sector working together to achieve success stories like Regent Park across the country.

Habitat for Humanity Toronto also plays an important role in creating affordable housing opportunities for the people of our city, and I am proud to tell you that Greater Toronto REALTORS® have supported its efforts for many years.  In late November and early December we will be taking part in the construction of a home that TREB has sponsored in the Kingston Road and Morningside Avenue area of Toronto. This initiative marks the fourth title sponsorship of seven Habitat for Humanity builds to which TREB has contributed in recent years. To find out more about these builds visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com.

We lend a hand to a number of other initiatives as well, through the REALTORS® Care Foundation, which provides annual grants to shelter-related charities throughout the province.  Last year REALTORS Care Foundation grants totaling $178,710 were distributed to the 35 local organizations on behalf of all Greater Toronto REALTORS®.

The dream of home ownership is one that millions of Canadians share and for many people it is an attainable goal thanks to various government programs like the Five Per Cent Down Payment Program, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and various tax rebates.  As a Greater Toronto REALTOR® one of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is advising you as to the many affordable solutions that exist to help you purchase a home, and make a solid long-term investment in your future.

If you are interested in learning about innovative affordable housing solutions currently underway in several different communities across Canada, I encourage you take part in a complimentary web forum being hosted by CMHC November 24th as part of its efforts to recognize National Housing Day. To learn more visit www.cmhc.ca/nhd

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