National Housing Day

Supporting Island families

November 22 is National Housing Day and Islanders are encouraged to work with provincial and municipal governments to help improve access to safe, affordable housing across the province. 

Meeting housing challenges is a need Islanders share with the rest of Canada and government is committed to creating solutions here at home.  

“We have made major investments in new housing initiatives and continue to collaborate with all sectors and communities across the province,” said Family and Human Services Minister Tina Mundy. “I am aware that some changes take time and I encourage Islanders facing housing challenges to reach out for help by contacting their local housing services.”   

Recent initiatives supporting affordable housing include: 

• $16.8 million in recent capital budget to build new affordable housing units over next two year;
• 230 new rent supplement arrangements created since July, for a total of 490: 
• On target to create 1,000 new affordable housing units over the next four years; 
• More than 175 new affordable housing units - Government will fund the construction of units across Prince Edward Island and partner with private developers, municipalities and organizations to increase the affordable housing supply.
• Government providing $1 million in interest-free loans to qualified Islanders to assist with a down payment on purchasing a home.
• New 260-bed residence at UPEI will help in retaining Island students and attracting international students while alleviating pressure on the Charlottetown housing market.
• Significant new investments in shelter rates - Increases to social assistance shelter rates by three per cent in June 2018 and six per cent in December 2018, benefitting up to 5,000 Islanders a year.  
• 20 new transitional units to support Islanders experiencing Family Violence. 
• 76 new social seniors housing units in Charlottetown (44) and Summerside (32)

“Prince Edward Island is facing its housing challenges head on with the goal that all Islanders have access to safe and affordable housing,” said Finance Minister Heath MacDonald. ”Government is committed to support Islanders to reach this goal as evidenced by the recent unprecedented investments in housing.” 

Media contact:
Bobbi Jo Walker
Department of Family and Human Services
902-213-4507
bjwalker@gov.pe.ca