THUNDER BAY – “These upgrades to social housing will result in improved living conditions for residents, reduced energy costs and a reduced carbon footprint. This is good public policy and good for the economy of Thunder Bay at the same time. I’m incredibly proud of the resources our government is putting into improving the quality of life for our citizens,” beams Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan.
“Fighting Climate Change is not just necessary to ensure a stronger future, but can also save us money in the long term. This important investment will modernize social housing in Thunder Bay and ensure efficiency through lower energy costs, improving safety for residents, and extending the life of social housing buildings while also helping the environment,” says Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay-SuperiorNorth.
Ontario is providing new funding for repairs and retrofits to social housing in Thunder Bay, in order to improve living conditions and fight climate change. This investment is part of Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan and is funded by proceeds from the province’s carbon market.
Bill Mauro, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan, and Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North were at Paterson Court in Thunder Bay today to make the announcement. Thunder Bay will receive up to $12.35 million for repairs and retrofits to social housing apartment buildings over five years, contingent on carbon market proceeds.
The investment will help improve the lives of low-income and vulnerable tenants in Thunder Bay with upgrades to social housing buildings such as new energy efficient heating, improved insulation, and window replacements.
Proceeds from Ontario’s carbon market must by law be invested into programs that help households and businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save money on energy costs. Programs include home energy retrofits, public transit, social housing retrofits, and electric vehicle incentives and infrastructure.
“Helping Thunder Bay’s most vulnerable find stable housing is critically important to our goal of ensuring everyone in the province has a safe place to call home. By channelling proceeds from the carbon market into the modernization of social housing buildings, we are improving the lives of tenants while taking important steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that will benefit the entire community,” states Peter Milczyn, Minister of Housing & Minister Responsible for the Poverty Reduction Strategy.
“The province’s significant investment in social housing repairs and retrofits within the District of Thunder Bay aligns with our commitment to improve the quality of life of our tenants while also seeking efficiencies in energy consumption and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” comments Bob Katajamaki, Board Chair, The District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board.
