Representatives of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and tenants representatives from the corporation’s social housing portfolio are gathering in Gander, September 29- 30th for the 15th annual provincial tenant conference. The announcement was made today by Joan Marie Aylward, provincial minister responsible for housing.
Commenting on the conference, Minister Aylward noted: “As always, these conferences keep the lines of communication between NLHC and its tenants open and help us to remain aware and responsive to each others needs. In addition, they provide a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of tenant associations throughout our province. They have made significant contributions over the years to support children, families and individuals in their neighbourhoods and communities. Through their continued commitment, they have ensured their neighbourhoods remain active and vital.”
The conference will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening at Hotel Gander. Approximately 70 tenants, representing 34 tenant association from across the province are expected to attend. As part of this year’s conference, NLHC’s oldest tenant association, Dunfield Park Tenant Association, Corner Brook, will be recognized for its achievements over the past 25th years. Also receiving recognition will be Froude Avenue Community Centre and Rabbittown, West Heights and Virginia Park tenant associations of St. John’s, who are celebrating 15-year anniversaries, and Burin-Black Duck Cove tenant association, Burin, celebrating 10 years. Opening remarks will be made by Mary Marshall, Chief Operating Officer for NLHC.
Conference workshops will get underway at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning with guest speaker Barbara Case who is a Manager for Community Development with Human Resources and Employment and who also sits on the Provincial Strategic Social Plan committee. The focus of discussion will be on “Community Capacity Building” – a process by which communities look inward and understand their own strengths and capabilities and strive to build on those. Tenant associations will explore what a healthy community should look like, and consider ways and means of achieving this in their own neighbourhoods.
The conference will wrap up on Saturday evening with a banquet.
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Joan Marie Aylward, minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) and Dianne Whalen, Mayor for the Town of Paradise, today released the results of a health and ecological risk assessment that had been conducted in Octagon and Rocky Ponds, Paradise. A joint statement was made today by Minister Aylward and Mayor Whalen.
“I am very pleased to advise the human health risk assessment concluded that risks associated with the use of Octagon and Rocky Ponds for recreational purposes are acceptable.” Minister Aylward explained. “In addition, the ecological risk assessment concluded that the population of organisms in the ponds are not being adversely affected.”
“However,” the minister continued, “due to the previously identified trace levels of contaminants in the fish, as a precautionary measure, we will be advising the public to limit their consumption of fish from these ponds. Caution is always the best approach even with minimal risks.”
In consultation with the Departments of Environment and Labour and Health and Community Services, and the Town of Paradise, it has been decided that a fishing advisory will be placed on each pond to ensure the public are aware of these findings. Both the human health risk and the ecological risk assessments were completed at the minister’s request earlier this year to determine if the detected levels of contaminants found in the ponds presented any risk to the public.
Commenting on the results of the study, Mayor Dianne Whalen noted: “We are quite pleased that the overall results of the assessments are so positive. The risk assessment is designed to be conservative, and issuing a fish advisory is in keeping with our collective commitment to ensure the public continues to be provided information that will help them make informed decisions regarding their future use of the pond.”
Please see the following backgrounder for consumption levels.
Backgrounder
The following provides the levels of fish consumption considered to be acceptable for Octagon and Rocky Ponds based on key findings from the human health risk assessment conducted by Jacques Whitford Environment Limited:
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Joan Marie Aylward, minister responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), today announced the appointment of two new members to the corporation’s board of directors. Joining the board are: Mr. Barry W. Sheppard – St. John’s and Ms. Carla Hancock – St. John’s.
In welcoming the two appointees, Minister Aylward commented: “Over the past couple of years, the corporation has refocused its efforts and commitment on its primary mandate which is the provision of affordable, quality housing for those in need throughout the province. As active members of the community with strong business backgrounds, I know both Ms. Hancock and Mr. Sheppard will contribute significantly to the future direction of the corporation. I’m looking forward to working with them,” Minister Aylward added.
Carla Hancock
Ms. Hancock is a entrepreneur with 25 years experience as owner/operator of several successful service industry businesses. She is also an active community volunteer who has participated in numerous fund raising events for local and national groups and organizations.
Barry Sheppard
Mr. Sheppard offers a wide range of management consulting services to private and public sector clients through his own consulting practice. His services include marketing, financial management, human resources, strategic planning, and business networking.
NLHC’s current board consists of : Robert Noseworthy, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of NLHC; Rick Abbott, Musgrave Harbour; Ivan Alexander, St. John’s; Jeffrey Follett, Corner Brook; Basil Hickey, St. John’s; Michael Lee, Petty Harbour (representing the Newfoundland and Labrador Home Builders Association); Jim Parrott, St. John’s; and Kay Woodward, Goose Bay. These appointments bring the NLHC board membership up to ten (10) which is just one below its full complement. The final vacancy will be filled shortly to bring the board up to the eleven (11) members as provided for under the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation Act.
For further information, contact:
Jenny Bowring, Corporate Communications
Telephone: (709) 724-3055
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca