Fredericton affordable rental homes receive $3.4M

New Brunswick's provincial flag flies on a flag pole in Ottawa, Monday, July 6, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Fredericton will receive $3.4 million to help build affordable rental homes in the city.

The federal government, along with the Province of New Brunswick and City of Fredericton, announced the combined investment on Thursday. The funding is through the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI).

“We need to build more, build better and build bolder. Through this investment our government is supporting those who need it most, here in New Brunswick and across the country. We are committed to strengthening communities through initiatives like this one,” said Gregor Robertson, minister of Housing and Infrastructure.

The nine-unit apartment building owned by the John Howard Society of Fredericton will provide affordable housing for women and children fleeing violence, as well as for racialized groups and Black Canadians.

“The City of Fredericton is proud to partner with the John Howard Society of Fredericton, the Government of Canada, and the Government of New Brunswick to deliver essential housing for our community. This project provides safe, affordable homes and offers the stability needed to build fulfilling lives within a growing and connected neighbourhood,” said Kate Rogers, mayor of Fredericton.

The building is part of the Supportive Housing Program, and all units are affordable.

The program is a collaborative initiative between the Social Development Housing Division and the John Howard Society of Fredericton Inc. It offers supportive, subsidized apartments to non-elderly adults.

“Affordable family housing is more than just a roof — it’s the foundation for strong, healthy communities. When families have a stable place to call home, children thrive, parents succeed, and neighbourhoods grow stronger. This project marks a special milestone for the John Howard Society as our first family-oriented build and brings our affordable housing portfolio to 100 unique individuals affordably housed and supported through our programs,” John Barrow, executive director of the John Howard Society of Fredericton, said.

Funding provided for the John Howard Society of Fredericton includes:

• $2 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Strategy’s Third Round of the Rapid Housing
• $785,000 in forgivable loan from Housing New Brunswick
• The City of Fredericton contributed to the project through covering the cost of the building permit fees
• $700,000 from John Howard Society of Fredericton

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.