Apr 27, 2006 - Policy Change Allows Funds Raised Through Licensed Gaming Events to be Used for Certain Types of Housing

Effective April 5, 2006, government has changed the policy regarding the eligible use of funds raised through A and B licences to help support certain types of housing initiatives. Previously, no forms of housing were among the eligible uses of licensed gaming proceeds.

This policy amendment will allow gaming funds raised under licence to be used for housing projects that benefit specific groups within society. For example, this would include community housing for seniors, supportive housing for the disabled, various stages of transition housing for both women and men, and emergency housing for crisis situations. It would not apply to housing that benefits individuals or members, such as a co-op housing unit.

Some conditions apply, as follows:

• The housing complex would have to be operated by the non-profit society that is fundraising through licensed gaming events;
• The housing complex could not be turned over to the local heath authority, CMHA or local government after it is built;
• There would have to be a plan to deliver programming suitable to the residents in the complex;
• It's preferred that the organization own the land for the project, or have property on a long term lease from an eligible organization, local government or public land (same as capital project requirements);
• In the case of a new housing complex, there should be a design or plan in place to determine its gross costs, prior to a license being issued; and
• Any funds raised through licensed gaming events should be expended within 3 years.

This policy change applies to licensed gaming funds only. Gaming grant funds, such as Direct Access and Bingo Affiliation, may not be used for housing initiatives.