A news conference was held today to officially transfer industrial/ commercial land from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) to the Town of Paradise. Art Reid, provincial minister responsible for housing, MHA’s Ralph Wiseman – Topsail and Jim Walsh – Conception Bay East and Bell Island, and Mayor Dianne Whalen, attended the conference. Government recently gave NLHC approval to implement a newly formulated strategy to fully divest of its land holdings and current land development activities in the province.
“This new approach will see the corporation enter into agreements with municipalities where NLHC has banked and/or developed industrial/commercial land and transfer this property to the municipalities,” Mr. Reid said. “This strategy will provide municipalities the opportunity to promote and market assets that can be a source of financial support for them.”
In addition, this approach will see the corporation either sell any remaining developed residential lots directly, through real estate agents or transfer these along with banked land to the municipalities with NLHC sharing in future land sales revenues on a 50/50 per cent basis. In recent months, Mr. Reid and NLHC officials have jointly held meetings with many municipalities to solicit input before finalizing this strategy. Overall, there has been strong support for the approach which will afford greater opportunities for the private sector to become involved in the development of provincial land.
Ralph Wiseman, MHA for Topsail, commented: “The benefits of this new strategy are invaluable. It presents a wonderful opportunity and will definitely contribute to the continued economic growth of Paradise and many other towns throughout the province.”
In recent years, it has become evident that NLHC’s requirement as a land developer has peaked, and many municipalities welcome a more active role in the sale of industrial/commercial land within their towns.
Jim Walsh, MHA for Conception Bay East and Bell Island noted: “This agreement demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between two levels of government. I commend all those involved in this initiative which will have such a positive impact for so many communities.”
Commenting on the value of the agreement to the Town of Paradise, Mayor Dianne Whalen said: “We are very pleased to be here today for this signing which opens up tremendous possibilities for our town. Shortly, council plans to publish an ‘Expression of Interest’ document, requesting potential developers to work with the town to develop this land.”
These changes in the corporation’s business approaches will not affect NLHC’s commitment to the provision of affordable, quality housing for those in need throughout this province. In fact, this new approach will enable NLHC to refocus its efforts on its primary mandate which is social housing.
The corporation will continue to negotiate agreements with other interested municipalities in the weeks and months ahead.
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Note to Editors:
A news conference will be held Tuesday, October 6, at the Paradise Town Council Office to announce Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s (NLHC) plans to transfer industrial/commercial land to the Town of Paradise.
Officiating at the news conference will be Art Reid, minister responsible for housing, and Dianne Whalen, Mayor of Paradise. Mr. Reid and Mayor Whalen will be joined by Ralph Wiseman, MHA – Topsail, James Walsh, MHA – Conception Bay East and Bell Island, Paradise council members and representatives of NLHC.
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 6, 2:00 p.m
Location: Town Council Office, 1485 Topsail Road, Paradise
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) together with tenants from the corporation’s non-profit housing will gather this weekend, October 2-3, at the Albatross Hotel in Gander for their 13th tenant conference. The announcement was made today by Art Reid, minister responsible for housing.
“The value of these tenant conferences is immeasurable,” Mr. Reid said. “Over the years, the conference has become an excellent opportunity for both the tenants and the corporation to candidly ask questions and discuss topics and issues of interest and concern. Housing is more than just shelter, it can play a role in promoting independence and self reliance and contribute to the overall health and happiness of families and individuals. NLHC will continue to maintain an open dialogue with tenants ensuring a continued understanding of their needs and concerns.”
Mr. Reid added: “As you may be aware, earlier this week NLHC announced its departure from residential land development activities. This enables the corporation to refocus its efforts on its primary mandate which is social housing. These recent changes in the corporation’s business operations, now provide NLHC the opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to provide the people of this province access to safe, adequate and affordable housing. This reflects government’s desire to make real and meaningful change in social policy.”
The conference will begin at 8:00 p.m. this evening, with remarks and presentations by John Abbott, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer (Acting) of NLHC, to more than 75 tenants representing 28 tenant associations across the province. Consultant, Bobbie Boland, will facilitate a workshop on conflict resolution. The workshop will explore how people think and feel about conflict, and it will reflect on preferred personal conflict style and other styles. Participants will consider how conflict is dealt with in the community and whether more effective options exist.
Tenants will also have the opportunity to participate in an open panel discussion with NLHC management on a range of housing related topics. Panel members will include John Abbott, NLHC’s acting Chairperson, Mary Marshall, Vice President Housing Operations and Ted Blanchard, Housing Maintenance Manager for the Avalon Regional Office.
Three of the tenants associations will be celebrating their 10th anniversaries this year and will be recognized. These include: Family ‘O Friends, representing Brown’s Avenue/Bartle Place – Grand Falls-Windsor; Triway Tenant Association, representing 13th Avenue, Keith’s Avenue and Brown Street – Grand Falls-Winsor; and the Neighbourhood of Friends Tenant Association,
representing Moores Road – Clarenville.
The conference will conclude on Saturday evening with a banquet for all participants.
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca