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
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.