First of its kind program helps Sault family become homeowners
A Sault family has made the move from subsidized housing to homeownership, thanks to a first-of-its-kind program in Ontario.
Dawn and Jason Lebrun have spent the better part of a decade in geared-to-income housing, but are now proud homeowners.
"There's constantly life things -- vehicle maintenance, making sure your bills are paid, your pets," said Jason Lebrun. "It seems like it would've taken ages to save for a down payment."
The program is a partnership between the Sault's social services administration board, Sault College and the provincial government.
It tasks social services with purchasing and renovating homes with a declining property assessment.
Through Sault College, it utilizes labour from Ontario Works training programs to complete the work, which in turn sees them complete their certifications.
The Lebruns were then able to buy the home with a guaranteed mortgage over the next five years, using equity from the home as the down payment.
"I've already started cleaning out some weeds and making plans for where our garden is going to go," said Dawn. "I found some raspberry bushes out there so I cleaned those up. We're just both so excited to finally move in."
City Coun. Luke Dufour sits as the board chair for social services and said the project has been his biggest achievement so far.
"This is something that I've had just a real privilege to see it go from idea, to concept, to proposal and then now to have solid, tangible results," Dufour said.
He said social services is targeting homes close to downtown, in an effort to revitalize the area.
The provincial government has provided $900,000 for the program, but Dufour said revenue from the sale of properties can be used to renovate other homes.
"As long as we can keep the employment program going and finding houses at the right price, we're just going to keep on running this."
Dufour said construction of two more properties is already underway.
The Lebruns officially get their keys on Aug. 3.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.