Seniors in Holyrood will soon have access to affordable housing. Construction of a new 10-unit affordable housing building is being funded under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Agreement.
The project was announced today by John Efford, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, along with Joan Burke, provincial Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC).
“The Government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for those Canadians who need it most,” said MP Efford. “These homes in Holyrood, funded partly through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), go a long way to creating access to safe and affordable housing in our community.”
“Affordable housing is fundamental to the health and future of our communities, which is why we are very pleased to have the support of the private sector in this project,” said Minister Burke. “Our private-sector partnerships play such a pivotal role to the success and continued development of the Affordable Housing Program, throughout the province. Their commitment to the program helps us increase housing options for those who need it most.”
Under the Affordable Housing Rental Program, the 10-unit apartment project will receive $150,000 in federal funding to offset constructions costs. The project is being developed by Hawco Construction and Development Ltd. at a total cost of $500,000, and is located on Salmonier Line in Holyrood.
“The availability of affordable housing is an important issue in our community,” commented Gus Hawco, president, Hawco Construction and Development. “As a member of the private sector, I welcome this opportunity to help address the issue by partnering with the federal and provincial governments and providing more housing options for seniors in our area.”
The development will provide one and two-bedroom affordable rental units for independent seniors. A one-bedroom unit will be completely accessible, and under the agreement, all the units will remain affordable for a minimum of 10 years. Construction on the project has begun and completion is anticipated by early October 2005.
For further information contact:
Jenny Bowing, NLHC, (709) 724-3055
Todd Selby, CMHC-SCHL, (902) 426-8127
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Backgrounder
Affordable Housing Program Agreement Summary
Objectives:
Programs:
Funding under this agreement will be used to:
Administration:
Financial Provisions:
John Efford, Member of Parliament for Avalon, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing along with Joan Burke, provincial Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, (NLHC) today announced a major retrofit for NLHC-owned St. John’s property.
Approximately $400,000 is going to be spent to convert a vacant building on Froude Avenue from eight three-bedroom units into eight energy-efficient two-bedroom units. Four of these units will be accessible. Funding of $320,000 will be provided under the Canada-Newfoundland Affordable Housing Agreement. The rest of the funding, $80,000, will be provincially funded through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s modernization and improvement budget for 2005-2006.
“The Government of Canada is committed to increasing affordable housing options for those most in need throughout the country,” said MP Efford. “This project is an excellent example of what can be accomplished when we work together. We’re pleased to partner with the provincial government to help create more functional, safe and affordable housing that will benefit many people in the community for years to come.”
“It is critical that NLHC respond to the unique and changing needs of our clients. Under the Affordable Housing Partnership, we will continue to strive to be flexible and creative to provide units better suited to our clients’ needs,” said Minister Burke.
The retro-fitted building will have four fully accessible two-bedroom units on the ground floor. The upper floor will be converted to four, two-bedroom dwellings, which will address a need for smaller-sized units as indicated by current family demographics. All the units will be electrically heated, and equipped with individual laundry and storage space. NLHC will review every opportunity to promote the most energy efficient reconstruction of this property. Project planning and design is now underway and construction is anticipated to be completed in 2006.
For further information contact:
Jenny Bowing, NLHC, (709) 724-3055
Todd Selby, CMHC-SCHL, (902) 426-8127
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
Backgrounder
Affordable Housing Program Agreement Summary
Objectives:
Programs:
Funding under this agreement will be used to:
Administration:
Financial Provisions:
Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and responsible for Housing announced today that Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) will continue its commitment to education through its annual scholarship program.
Minister Burke commented, “NLHC will award a total of nine scholarships, valued at $9000, to high school graduates and adults pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships are awarded in the Avalon/Eastern, Central and Western/Labrador regions to clients’ children, employees’ children and adult clients returning to school. Each scholarship is valued at $1000.” The minister also added, “It is important to encourage and support those dedicated to attaining a post-secondary education.”
NLHC’s children’s scholarships are awarded based on the results of the Department of Education’s scholarship score, which is derived from a student’s performance on public exams.
Winners of the NLHC adult scholarships are selected based on an interview that assesses initiative, need, and community experience.
The deadline for NLHC’s Children’s Scholarship Program was August 31, 2005, however, applications for the Adult Scholarship Program will be accepted until the end of September. Adult scholarship applications must be postmarked no later than September 30, 2005.
Scholarship applications are available from NLHC’s regional offices, on NLHC’s website at www.nlhc.nf.ca, or by contacting NLHC at 724-3059.
For further information contact:
Madonna Walsh, Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC)
Telephone: (709) 724-3059
or
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca
The Dunfield Park Legacy Project, a permanent performing arts stage and landscaped area to be used by local musicians and actors during the tourist season, was officially unveiled in Corner Brook today. The project is the culmination of a 24-week learning and work opportunity for several of the city’s youth.
“A performing arts stage is a wonderful addition to the area,” said Premier Danny Williams, MHA for Humber West. “This permanent facility will provide invaluable opportunities for the young people of the area. The culture of our province, and the West Coast in particular, now has another beautiful venue to be displayed. I look forward to the wealth of talent that will be produced here.”
“This was a unique opportunity for the youth of Dunfield Park to work on a project in their own neighbourhood and to be involved in every aspect, from design to construction,” said Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. “The Legacy Project is an excellent example of government and community partners taking a creative approach to provide financial incentives to the province’s youth, while encouraging them to make positive life choices”
For the Dunfield Park Legacy Project, Human Resources, Labour and Employment partnered with Human Resource and Skills Development Canada, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Corner Brook Board of Trade, College of the North Atlantic, and Academy Canada.
Ten young people between the ages of 17 and 30 participated in the project receiving training in the areas of personal development, career planning and work skills. The project not only provided summer employment for youth but participants will receive $500 towards tuition costs at any recognized post-secondary program.
“I would like to congratulate each student on their participation in the project. This is a wonderful resource for the artistic community that residents and tourists to the area will be able to enjoy for years to come,” said Minister Burke.
For further information contact:
Jacquelyn Howard
Director of Communications
Human Resources, Labour and Employiment
(709) 729-4062, 689-2624
or
E-mail: releases@nlhc.nf.ca