NEWS RELEASE 

  


Importance of Affordable Housing Solutions Recognized on National Housing Day

 

TORONTO, November 20, 2012 -- In celebration of National Housing Day November 22nd the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB) is teaming up with related organizations to host a symposium, highlighting positive initiatives and challenges related to affordable housing.

“Quality of life is a key contributing factor to the Greater Toronto Area’s solid world standing and it all begins with creating quality affordable housing options that develop into healthy communities,” said Toronto Real Estate Board President Ann Hannah.

“In addition to the key contribution home ownership makes to quality of life in our city, it also has wide reaching economic effects, with the sale of each home generating more than $40,000 in spin-off spending on things like furniture, appliances, renovations, and financial and legal services.”

Organizations participating in the symposium include Habitat for Humanity Toronto and the City of Toronto.

“We believe that one of the most important contributions we can make to Toronto’s future is to foster opportunities for the people of our city to create a better life through affordable home ownership,” said Councillor Ana Bailão, Chair of the City of Toronto's Affordable Housing Committee.

The symposium will also feature guest speaker John Tory, who will share his thoughts on affordable homeownership initiatives and the importance of eliminating poverty housing in Toronto. A Corporate Director and Broadcaster, Mr. Tory is also Chair of CivicAction, an organization that convenes civic leaders from various sectors to stimulate change on issues facing the Greater Toronto region.

“Developing affordable housing solutions is a formidable challenge but government, industry, non-profit organizations and the private sector are demonstrating that through our cooperative efforts progress is being made,” said Ms. Hannah.

In the past year Greater Toronto REALTORS® have sponsored two Habitat for Humanity Toronto homes, while contributing to construction efforts as well.

“It is thanks to the support of organizations like TREB that the volunteers of Habitat for Humanity Toronto have been able to build more affordable homes than ever before” said Habitat for Humanity Toronto Chief Executive Officer Neil Hetherington. “Our combined efforts put Habitat’s partner families on the path to a better life and in doing so, create a better city for us all to enjoy.”

A number of other shelter-related causes also benefit from Greater Toronto REALTORS’® support through the REALTORS® Care Foundation, which offers grants throughout the province on an annual basis.

Last year alone, GTA REALTORS supported 35 local shelter based charities and raised almost $400,000 for shelter charities.

Greater Toronto REALTORS® also help consumers achieve their home ownership goals on a daily basis by offering insight into options that make home buying more affordable such as the Five Per Cent Down Payment Program, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and various tax rebates.

“According to recent Habitat for Humanity Toronto studies, the benefits of home ownership include improved financial stability, physical health, personal safety and academic performance, and an April 2012 report released by the National Association of REALTORS® in the United States substantiates these findings, also showing health and educational benefits as well positive effects on factors such as crime, civic participation, and property improvement,” said Ms. Hannah.

Given the far reaching effects of home ownership, Greater Toronto REALTORS® are committed to underscoring the importance of National Housing Day.

The National Housing Day Symposium takes place November 22nd, 2012 from 7:30am to 10:00am at Spirale Banquet and Conference Centre located at 888 Don Mills Road in Toronto.

For more information on government programs for homebuyers and property owners please visit www.TorontoRealEstateBoard.com

For more information on Habitat for Humanity Toronto please visit www.torontohabitat.ca

For more information about the City of Toronto's Affordable Housing Office, please visit:  http://www.toronto.ca/affordablehousing/index.htm

For more information, please contact:
Toronto Real Estate Board
Mary Gallagher, Senior Manager, Public Affairs
416-443-8158 maryg@trebnet.com

Habitat for Humanity Toronto
Joanna M. Dwyer, Marketing & Stakeholder Relations
416-755-7353 x 259 jdwyer@torontohabitat.ca

City of Toronto's Affordable Housing Office
Nicole Stewart, Assistant Housing Development Officer
416-392-4223 nstewar@toronto.ca

 

 

 

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