Provincial Government Supports New Single-Parent Apartment Building in Western Labrador

An additional investment of $280,000 through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation will help build a 10-unit apartment building for single-parent families in western Labrador. The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs, made the announcement in Labrador City today on behalf of the Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes that housing and homelessness are challenging issues in Labrador West. This funding will help the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition move closer to breaking ground on an apartment building for single-parent families – a needed resource in the region.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

This investment is in addition to $200,000 provided through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Provincial Homelessness Fund in 2013-14 and $1.5 million from their Affordable Housing Program in 2011. This brings the total combined funds committed to this project to nearly $2 million.

“These significant investments show our government’s commitment to this important project for single-parent families in Labrador West. I would like to recognize the important work being done by the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition, who are a strong voice for all residents of the region facing housing and homelessness issues.”
– The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs

The Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition plans to build the 10-unit apartment building on Tamarack Drive, on a parcel of land donated by the Labrador City town council. The estimated cost of the project is $2 million. In addition to the apartments, the building will also provide a community space with offices for a housing support worker and other professionals in the fields of nursing, social work and mental health. Construction is anticipated to start this week and be completed by January 2015.

“Projects of this nature do not happen without the partnership of community volunteers and organizations, local businesses, and all levels of government. We particularly appreciate Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for providing the $2 million that is making this project a reality.”
– Kim Martin, Acting Spokesperson, Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and creating healthier communities.

QUICK FACTS:

  • An additional $280,000 is being provided towards the construction of a 10-unit apartment building for single-parent families in western Labrador.
  • This brings Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s total contribution to the project to approximately $1.98 million. The estimated cost of the project is $2 million.
  • In addition to the apartments, the building will also provide a community space with offices for a housing support worker and other professionals in the fields of nursing, social work and mental health.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,588 rental units province-wide.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education
and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador
Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

 

Apartment Building Purchase to Help Address Happy Valley-Goose Bay Regional Housing Needs

The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is investing $825,000 to purchase a six-unit apartment building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, joined officials from the community today to make the announcement. The property will be developed into long-term accommodations to help address housing issues in the region.

“This is an exciting first step in our regional plan to assist individuals who require supportive living options. This past May, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador appointed a Supportive Housing Action Team to address housing needs. While we recognize there is still work to be done, this investment will enable us to place people in safe, permanent housing and ensure they also have the long-term community supports most appropriate for their needs.” – The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Following the sudden closure of Newman’s Boarding house in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, the Provincial Government appointed a Supportive Housing Action Team in May 2014. The team was formed to help address short and long-term housing needs.

Located on Grand Street, the six-unit building will house up to nine individuals. The property consists of four one-bedroom units, as well as a two-bedroom and three-bedroom unit.

Melville Native Housing will become part of the response for homelessness in the area. They will be the long-term administrator for this property and any other long-term supportive housing units that are acquired by the Provincial Government.

“We recognize working together as a community is the most effective way to find long-term solutions to help address regional supportive housing needs. With the help of the Supportive Housing Action Team and our community partners, we will continue to create housing options to assist those who may find themselves homeless.” – Keith Russell, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Advanced Education and Skills and MHA for Lake Melville

In 2014-15, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $10 million to renovate another 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 77 per cent of units province-wide have received upgrades.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $825,000 to purchase a six-unit building in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to help address homelessness in the area..
  • The newly acquired property will permanently house up to nine individuals.
  • In May 2014, the Provincial Government appointed a Supportive Housing Action Team to help address short and long-term housing needs magnified by the sudden closure of Newman’s Boarding House in Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
|Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Fire Sprinkler System to Enhance Safety of Seniors in Corner Brook Building

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded a contract valued at $150,000 to Pine Martin Adventures Inc. to install a new fire sprinkler system at the Forestside Manor in Corner Brook.

“Designed to delay and control the spread of fires, automatic sprinkler systems are a proven way to save lives and protect property. Tenants of Forestside Manor and their families can have a greater sense of comfort knowing their building is being protected by a new sprinkler system.” – The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber East

The sprinkler system is scheduled for completion early in September. This project is part of ongoing work to improve social housing units throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We are proud of the ongoing work being carried out on our social housing units as we move forward to complete upgrades on all of our properties. This government will continue to ensure safe and affordable housing is available to our citizens, now and in the future.” – The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

In 2014-15, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $10 million to renovate another 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 77 per cent of units province-wide have received upgrades.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $150,000 for the installation of a new fire sprinkler system at Forestside Manor in Corner Brook.
  • Since 2007, the Provincial Government has invested $96 million in Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for upgrades to 77 per cent of its 5,588 social housing units.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,588 rental units province-wide.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

Milly Brown
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
millybrown@gov.nl.ca

Kevin Guest
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
709-729-4304, 730-2320
kevinguest@gov.nl.ca

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
|Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Upgrades at Regatta Terrace to Include Exterior and Ventilation System Improvements

G.S. Hunt Ltd. has been awarded a $222,000 contract to provide roofing and interior renovations on eight social housing homes at Regatta Terrace in St. John’s.

“The contract awarded to G.S. Hunt Ltd. is part of ongoing renovations at Regatta Terrace. This investment in social housing will increase the life span of the homes and demonstrates our government’s commitment to help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who need it most.” – The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

The work at Regatta Terrace will include replacing siding, windows and doors, installing new eaves, bathroom and kitchen fans, upgrading plumbing and electrical and installing heat recovery ventilation units. The anticipated completion date for the work is January 2015.

In 2014-15, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $10 million to renovate another 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 77 per cent of units province-wide have received upgrades.

QUICK FACTS

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing an additional $222,000 for renovations and repairs at Regatta Terrace in St. John’s.
  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,588 rental units province-wide.
  • To date, 77 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s social housing units have received renovations that will extend the life of the properties.

– 30 –

Media contacts:

John Tompkins
Director of Communications
|Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca