Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), in partnership with Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1860 and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1615, has initiated four new summer programs province-wide which will see public housing neighbourhoods revitalized and help Housing clients maintain and beautify their properties. These initiatives are slated to begin early July.
These initiatives were announced today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister Responsible for Housing; Len Simms, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland Labrador Housing; Wayne Lucas, President, CUPE, Newfoundland and Labrador; Bill Wakeley, President, CUPE Local 1860; and Bob Clarke, Business Manager, IBEW Local 1615.
“Over the past several years, it has been very difficult for Housing to put funds into the enhancement and beautification of its neighbourhoods given the lack of funding for such projects,” said Minister Skinner. “The improvements we can provide under these programs can make big differences in our neighbourhoods. They will enable people to take pride in their homes and environment and will help contribute to a healthier community spirit.”
“These initiatives are a work in progress, and our goal is to use them to improve and enhance the appearance, quality of life and environment of public housing in our province,” said Mr. Simms. “We look forward to rolling out these programs, and creating more positive public perceptions about public housing.”
“CUPE is certainly supportive of these campaigns. Investing in our young people and supporting the development of skills in the trades area through the Apprenticeship Program is indeed a worthwhile endeavour,” said Wayne Lucas. “Teaching young people lifelong skills and responsibility will serve them well in the future.”
“Not only are these initiatives great for our tenants, they are seen by our Housing maintenance staff as very positive,” said Bill Wakeley. “Our highly-skilled workers are looking forward to mentoring the young people hired through the Apprenticeship Program.”
“These initiatives for enhancing the neighbourhoods are proactive and positive programs for both tenants and the community as a whole,” said Bob Clarke. “As well, an Apprenticeship Program for trades graduates in plumbing, carpentry and electrical to attain employment of up to 1,500 hours is a very important project – one that I would like to see other employers implement.”
Also commenting on these initiatives, Matthew Piercey, Executive Director of Rabbittown Community Centre, in St. John’s, said: The community beautification initiatives are worth every dollar and minute of support provided. Improving the visual and aesthetic appearance of our communities will go a long way in creating pride and satisfaction in our neighbourhoods. It will certainly make a difference.”
Theresa Dunn is chairperson of the Neighbourhood Enhancement Tenant Association in St. John’s. She is very excited about these initiatives. We,as a community, take pride in our homes and surrounding areas. We are looking forward to great things happening in our neighbourhoods as a result of these initiatives.” The four new initiatives are as follows:
You and Your Home” Workshops
In partnership with bargaining unit staff, a series of workshops will be facilitated by Housing employees for tenants throughout the province, which will demonstrate basic skills in caring for your home. Maintenance staff with expertise in plumbing, electrical and carpentry will provide demonstrations in general care for the home to interested tenants. These workshops will be held in various neighbourhoods throughout the province. Notices will be issued to tenants, and they can notify their local regional office, if they are interested in participating.
Tidy Neighbourhoods Campaign
This campaign will be held in every neighbourhood in the province which is represented by a Tenant Association. This campaign will be treated as a contest whereby neighbourhoods can register to participate. Each participating neighbourhood will receive a grant to purchase flowers, paint fences, plant trees, etc., to “beautify” the neighbourhood. The finished neighbourhoods will be ranked by objective judges and the winner of the contest will receive $1,000 for their Tenant Association and will also be treated to a neighbourhood barbeque.
Apprenticeship Program
Housing recognizes the value of investing in our young people and supporting the development of skills in the trades area. In light of this, Housing will support approximately 10-12 male/female apprentices annually in areas such as plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. This program will be based mainly in Housing’s Avalon Regional Office. The apprentices will receive 1,500 hours of training which will qualify them for a second block of training.
Beautification Program
Beginning early July, Housing will assign a specific maintenance crew, in the Avalon Region, for a 12-week period whose sole job will be to repair, upgrade, paint and improve the appearance of common fences within various public housing neighbourhoods.
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Media contacts:
Colleen French
Communications Officer
Newfoundland Labrador Housing
709-724-3003
cmfrench@nlhc.nl.ca
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
John McCracken
CUPE Communications Representative
Atlantic Region
902-455-4180
jmccracken@cupe.ca
Holyrood, NL, June 21, 2007 — Canada’s New Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador today announced more than $2 million to create 65 affordable housing units in eight communities under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement.
Norman Doyle, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment and Minister responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing, made the announcement at a media conference held in Holyrood today.
Seniors, persons with disabilities, non-elderly singles and families in Newfoundland and Labrador will now have more access to affordable housing, made available under this agreement, in communities across the province.
“Canada’s New Government is working to ensure funding is available for projects like these to address the need for affordable housing in communities across the country,” said MP Norman Doyle. “We are pleased to be working with our partners in both the public and private sector to help the people of Newfoundland and Labrador build a better and stronger future.”
“In addition to this current $2 million announcement, the federal/provincial Affordable Housing Agreement, to date, has provided approximately $2.82M for the development of numerous other private and non-profit sector projects throughout the province, such as the Tommy Sexton Centre, Stella Burry Community Services, and CNB Holdings in Stephenville,” said Minister Skinner. “The Affordable Housing Program assists many who may be struggling financially, and allows individuals to remain in their communities where they can continue to have the support of family and friends while maintaining their independence.”
The new affordable housing projects include:
| REA Rentals Inc. | Corner Brook | $280,000 | 8 units — individuals living with disabilities, seniors and families |
| KSAB Construction Ltd. | Corner Brook | $210,000 | 6 units — individuals living with disabilities |
| Ultimate Goal Inc. | Lewisporte | $280,000 | 8 units — seniors |
| George Warr Ltd. | Springdale | $350,000 | 10 units — seniors |
| Central Accommodations (2006) Ltd. | Bishop’s Falls | $350,000 | 10 units — seniors |
| Donovan Homes Ltd. | Paradise and St. John’s | $350,000 | 10 units — families, seniors, singles |
| Hawco Construction and Development Ltd. | Holyrood | $175,000 | 5 units — seniors |
| White Bay Stores | Baie Verte | $280,000 | 8 units — seniors |
In January, Newfoundland Labrador Housing issued a proposal call for private sector development and operation of affordable rental housing to benefit low-to-moderate income households. The results of this proposal call will be announced later in 2007.
The Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement involves investments of over $20.45 million in the creation of affordable housing units in Newfoundland and Labrador.
For further information, please contact:
Jenny Bowring, Manager
Communications
Newfoundland Labrador Housing
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Dawn L. Ring
Consultant — Communications and Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Telephone: 709-772-5973
dring@cmhc.ca
Backgrounder
Canada — Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Agreement
Phase I
Objectives:
Program:
Funding under this agreement will be used for the creation of affordable housing.
Administration:
Financial Provisions:
Phase II
Phase II of the Agreement increases the total investment under the Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement by $10.62 million in funding. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will contribute at least 50 percent of the matching funding; up to 10 per cent may come from municipalities and other third parties.
Under Phase II, funding will be:
Overall CMHC funding will be based on 50 percent of capital costs to a maximum of $75,000 per unit.
The following statement was issued by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:
I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that over the course of the next six years, the Provincial Government will increase its provincial contribution for the Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP) by an additional $24 million. This doubles the provincial contribution for this program to $48 million.
The PHRP is administered by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing. This cost-shared federal-provincial program assists low-income household with critical home repair needs, or who require adaptations to permit accessibility or alleviate difficulties faced in daily living. Since 1976, this program has assisted over 45,000 individuals province-wide.
The PHRP primarily benefits seniors living in rural areas of the province. The average homeowner recipient is 61 years old, has an annual income of $13,000 and occupies a 41-year old house.
Work covered under the program typically ranges from bringing privately-owned dwellings up to minimum fire and safety standards to critical structural restoration of a house.
The demand for housing repairs in the province is substantial, and over the next six years, this current funding commitment will help us address the more than 4,000 applications now on the wait list. The extra money will allow us to assist approximately 2,500 applicants this year alone, as compared to 1,800 annually in past years.
The program will continue to serve individuals on a “first-come, first-served” basis from the current waiting list. Urgent cases with special needs will also continue to be addressed on an exceptional basis.
We know and understand that safe affordable housing is a basic first-step in helping people achieve greater self-sufficiency and independence. PHRP has received broad support within the community-at-large and is consistent with government’s social policy objective which encourages seniors to live independently within their own homes as long as they are able and consequently, is in keeping with the province’s Poverty Reduction Strategy, which is focused on preventing people from potential homelessness.
In conclusion, this government has taken up the challenge, we are committed, and we will continue working to improve housing for low-income households in this province.