The residents of Botwood and Peterview will benefit from three new housing developments in these central Newfoundland and Labrador communities, thanks to an investment of more than $2.4 million, through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Agreement which is cost-shared 50/50 with the Federal and Provincial Governments. In addition, shelters in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Gander and Marystown have been able to renovate or upgrade their facilities and continue providing assistance to victims of family violence throughout the province, through an investment of $236,000 from the federal/provincial Shelter Enhancement Program.
The Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Provincial Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing) and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, made the announcement today.
“The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to create affordable housing for those who need it most in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as across Canada,” said Minister Hearn. “These projects will give low and middle income Newfoundlanders and Labradorians access to safe, quality affordable housing and help them build a stronger future.”
“Creating new affordable housing units and renovating existing shelters is an excellent example of what can happen when governments, as well as the private and non-profit sectors come together in partnership,” said Minister Skinner. “We’ve been able to build stronger communities, with healthier choices that can provide individuals with dignity, hope and a place to call home.”
Ship Cove Homes Inc. is the private sector developer for three seniors duplexes (six two-bedroom units, one is fully accessible) being constructed in Botwood. The development is being funded with $210,000 through the Affordable Housing Program. Construction on Ship Cove Homes began in October 2007 and was completed in January 2008.
Another 12 seniors’ apartments (10 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom units, two of which are fully accessible) are also being developed by the non-profit organization, Botwood Senior Citizens Housing Committee. The project will receive $1.2 million in Affordable Housing Program funding, with construction anticipated to be completed by April 2008.
In Peterview, 10 one-bedroom apartments for seniors and individuals with physical and intellectual challenges are being developed by non-profit sponsor,Your Strength is Our Strength Club Inc. The project will receive $1 million in Affordable Housing Program funding. The developer also received $10,000 directly from CMHC in Seed Funding to assist during the initial planning stages. In addition, CMHC provided mortgage loan insurance toward this project which has assisted the proponent to create this affordable housing development. Construction is anticipated to begin in April 2008 for completion by October 2008.
The Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement involves investments of over $40 million in the creation of affordable housing units in Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, the federal renovation programs are administered and delivered by Newfoundland Labrador Housing. The Shelter Enhancement Program is cost-shared 25 per cent by the provincial government and 75 per cent by the federal government.
Three facilities were assisted under the Shelter Enhancement Program in 2006-07, and have now completed their renovations. The shelters that will benefit from a $236,000 federal/provincial investment are:
| Libra House | Happy Valley-Goose Bay | 10 beds | $150,000 | new siding and roofing |
| Cara House | Gander | 12 beds | $ 57,000 | upgraded the electrical & new doors |
| Grace Sparkes House | Marystown | 12 beds | $ 29,000 | painting and window replacement |
Federal/provincial home renovation programs provide financial assistance to ensure that housing occupied by low-income households meet basic health and safety standards. These programs assist with home modifications and adaptations to enable seniors and persons with disabilities to live independently in their own home, near family and friends. They also help with funding to improve or create shelters for victims of family violence and preserve housing for people who are at risk of homelessness.
-30-
Media contacts:
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland Labrador Housing
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Dawn L. Ring
Consultant-Communications and Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
709-772-5973
dring@cmhc.ca
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Canada – Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Agreement
The Canada–Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement involves investments of over $40.9 million in the creation of affordable housing units in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Breakdown of combined contributions of the two governments is as follows:
| Phase I Contributions | Phase II Contributions | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal | $15,140,000 | $5,310,000 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15,140,000 | $5,310,000 |
| Totals > | $30,280,000 | $10,620,000 |
Phase I
Objectives:
Program:
Administration:
Financial Provisions:
Phase II
Objectives:
Program:
Administration:
Financial Provisions:
BACKGROUNDER
Federal/Provincial Home Renovation Programs Newfoundland and Labrador
In Newfoundland and Labrador, federal/provincial home renovation programs are delivered by Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing) on a cost-shared basis. In Newfoundland and Labrador, most components of the federal RRAP program are referred to as the Provincial Home Repair Program (PHRP) which is cost-shared 62/38 per cent by the provincial and federal governments.
Provincial Home Repair – Homeowner
This program provides funding assistance to eligible low-income homeowners who own and occupy substandard housing and enables them to undertake emergency repairs or to bring their dwellings up to a minimum level of health and safety. Financial assistance is available in the form of a grant (non-repayable loan) to a maximum of $5,000 per unit ($6,500 in Labrador). Repairs exceeding this level may be addressed under a repayable loan of up to $10,000 ($13,000 in Labrador).
Provincial Home Repair – Persons with Disabilities/Seniors
This program provides funding to homeowners and landlords to modify existing buildings to accommodate low-income persons with disabilities or to pay for minor home adaptations that will enable low-income seniors to live independently in their homes. Financial assistance is available in the form of a grant (non-repayable loan) to a maximum of $7,500 per unit. Repairs exceeding this level may be addressed under a repayable loan of up to $10,000 ($13,000 in Labrador).
Provincial Home Repair – Emergency Repair
The Emergency Repair Program assists low-income homeowners to make emergency repairs required for the continued safe occupancy of their houses. Only those repairs urgently required to make a house safe are eligible for assistance. Financial assistance is available in the form of a grant $5,000 per unit ($6,500 in Labrador).
Provincial Home Repair – Rental/Rooming House
This program is targeted toward non-profit community-based landlords of affordable housing, to pay for mandatory repairs to units and beds occupied by low-income tenants. Funding is based on cost of eligible repairs and number of eligible units within a project. Grant funding is $24,000 per unit in Newfoundland ($26,000 per unit in Labrador).
Provincial Home Repair – Shelter Enhancement
This program assists in repairing, rehabilitating and improving existing shelters for victims of family violence and in acquiring or building new shelters and second- stage housing, where needed. Up to $24,000 per unit or bed unit is available to improve existing shelters ($36,000 per unit in Labrador).
Provincial Home Repair – Conversion RRAP
This program provides financial assistance for the conversion of non-residential property into units or beds to create affordable housing for low-income households. Landlords may receive up to $24,000 per unit in Newfoundland ($36,000 per unit in Labrador).
Residents in the Cashin-Froude area of St. John’s can look forward to a major transformation in their community over the next six years. The Province will contribute $4.2 million to makeover one of Newfoundland Labrador Housing’s (Housing) oldest residential neighbourhoods. The $4.2 million funding for this project will come from Newfoundland Labrador Housing’s annual budget, and represents 70 per cent of the total $6 million project cost. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister Responsible for Housing and Human Resources, Labour and Employment, made the announcement today.
“We are thrilled about this announcement,” said Minister Skinner. “This is an extraordinary opportunity to redesign the neighbourhood for today’s urban environment, bring it new life and vitality and celebrate this community’s spirit. The redevelopment plans will be phased in over six years. This is a vibrant neighbourhood with a strong sense of community, and their input has provided us with a wealth of information and ideas to help revitalize the area. Housing has listened to what they’ve said and used their input as the basis for the final redevelopment plans.”
Since the project first began, consultation with tenants has been paramount. Housing has held several community meetings, and the consultants also met with residents individually to ensure their needs and interests were heard. One of the more significant community meetings was held last summer. At that time, tenants spent an entire day with Housing staff, and the consultants, reviewing potential plans, discussing design possibilities and expressing their thoughts about what they did or did not want for their neighbourhood.
In the end, four main concepts emerged which tenants felt the final redevelopment plans should address. They were: safety, privacy, outdoor space and a sense of community. Tenants expressed the need to feel safe in their neighbourhood and talked about wanting to open up the space, making everything more visible. This would also make the neighbourhood more attractive and more accessible for emergency vehicles. They expressed the need for private space outside their homes, and as with all neighbourhoods, outdoor space and green space for all ages was viewed as essential. Tenants feel that a positive sense of community already exists, and wanted to ensure the new plans would enhance that feeling.
“The changes this revitalization can bring about goes way beyond the physical facelift,” says Bob Dawson, Executive Director, Froude Avenue Community Centre. “Many of these residents have lived here for more than 40 years, and they have an extraordinarily high level of involvement with their community centre, which has contributed enormously to the quality of life in the neighbourhood. This transformation will serve to strengthen that sense of pride and respect for their community.”
The new plans will entail complete interior and exterior modernization to all the homes in the neighbourhood, new construction, as well as landscaping. The interior changes include the installation of new laundry facilities, complete interior painting, refinished floors, completely refurbished kitchens (new cabinets, countertops, sinks, new flooring) and bathrooms (new tubs, showers, sinks and toilets), new ventilation systems and heating systems upgrades. Exterior upgrades include complete replacement of windows, doors, siding, and roofs. Landscaping will include additional private parking where practical, backyard fencing or balconies for privacy space, sodding and a community garden.
The Cashin-Froude neighourhood consists of 136 homes covering four streets which include, Cashin, Froude, Vicker and Vimy Avenues. The buildings were built over 50 years ago, and are among the first public housing properties developed in Canada. These residences were constructed to house the larger families of the time and consist of large three- and four-bedroom properties. The redevelopment plans will more adequately address today’s demographics characterized by smaller families and an increased aging population. Tenants will benefit from homes more conducive to their family makeup, and the improved designs will also make these homes more appropriate for tenants with mobility concerns.
“I’m excited — the whole neighbourhood is excited,” said Theresa Dunn, President, Neighbourhood Enhancement Association. “The community is literally abuzz with talk about all the upgrades and changes. We’re particularly pleased that the community was given the opportunity to be part of the planning process right from the beginning. Housing really did listen to so many of our ideas, like moving the laundry rooms up out of the basement and putting them in the main house, and giving everyone their own privacy areas. These may seem like little things to some, yet it can make such a positive difference to everyday living.”
Design work is being initiated and construction is anticipated to start in the summer of 2008.
-30-
Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-720-4062, 728-9623
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland Labrador Housing
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca