by Nancy Gardiner
Northern News Services

NNSL (Feb 26/97) - A one-year extension has been granted for four federal housing initiatives. The total value of the programs is $51.9 million.

Funding will come from reallocation of funds originally earmarked for other projects.

Diane Marleau, minister responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement at a February Home Builders' Association Conference in Calgary.

"I am pleased that the extension of these initiatives will create good jobs in the housing renovation industry while improving the living conditions of Canadians," said Marleau.

The initiatives include the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), Emergency Repair Program, Home Adaptations for Senior Independence and the Shelter Enhancement Program.

The RRAP program provides assistance to low-income homeowners to bring their homes up to minimum health and safety levels. To qualify, their household income must be below a maximum established for the applicable area.

RRAP for disabled persons provides assistance for households occupied by disabled persons who require special modifications to improve accessibility to their residence.

Rental RRAP provides assistance to landlords to pay for mandatory repairs to self-contained units occupied by tenants with incomes below the threshold for the area.

Rooming House RRAP provides assistance to owners of rooming houses intended for permanent accommodation with rents affordable to low-income individuals.