MILLER TOUTS HOUSING INVESTMENT AS PEOPLE EVACUATED

QUEEN’S PARK, TORONTO — As rising flood waters forced an evacuation of dozens of residents in his hometown, MPP Norm Miller was touting the Ford government’s commitment of $3 million to community housing in his riding.

MPP Norm Miller, flanked by Premier Doug Ford and Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith talks about the flooding and emergency delcaration in his hometown Wednesday.

In release Wednesday, Miller said: “The Ontario government is putting people first by providing more than $1 billion dollars in 2019-20 to help sustain, repair, and grow community housing. This includes more than $3 million invested in community housing in Parry Sound – Muskoka.

“Affordable housing is a growing issue all across Ontario and our government recognizes that” said Norman Miller, MPP for Parry Sound – Muskoka. “Our government believes Ontarians shouldn’t have to live in crumbling or leaky buildings. We are committed to working with municipalities and non-profits to address issues like safety, overcrowding and long wait lists.”

He noted the Ontario Government’s investments into the region include $1.1 million to the District of Parry Sound Social Services Administration Board and $1.9 million to the District of Muskoka.

In Parry Sound–Muskoka, he said in a release, there is a problem in finding workers safe and affordable places to live. This is a challenge faced by businesses of all types, including year-round and seasonal.

He said this prompted a recent West Parry Sound Housing Summit of stakeholders to address the issue and find solutions.

“I am pleased to see this group come together to discuss the need for affordable housing” he told the attendees. “Your attendance here is a good indication of just how big an issue is for our people, our businesses and our communities as a whole.”

Miller went on to say “community housing isn’t the solution for all housing issues, but it is part of the solution.”

He said: “The Ontario Government’s plan will transform a fragmented and inefficient system into one that is more streamlined, sustainable, and ready to help people who need it the most.”

Community housing is provided by non-profit, co-operative and municipal housing agencies, the release said. It includes a range of programs from subsidized social and affordable housing, including housing for indigenous people, to rent supplements and portable housing benefits that help people find housing in the private market.