As part of the Provincial Government’s continued focus on providing access to safe and affordable housing, over the coming weeks eight individuals or families will move into newly constructed Newfoundland and Labrador Housing (NLHC) affordable homes in the Pleasantville area of St. John’s.

The two buildings, located at 35 and 37 Janeway Place in Pleasantville, each feature two wheelchair-accessible one-bedroom units on the main level, as well as two one-bedroom units on the second level.

Universal Design features are incorporated throughout the building and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, and lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency is also a key element in the design and construction of the buildings.

The units are the result of a combined $1.8 million investment from the Provincial and Federal Governments, including funding under the National Housing Strategy’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) Project Stream, Phase 2.

These eight units are the first of 40 NLHC affordable housing units being constructed on Janeway Place, with construction on the remaining 32 units scheduled to begin in spring 2024.

These units are in addition to the 40-unit affordable residential apartment complex that will be constructed nearby on the corner of Charter Avenue and St. John’s Place. This complex will feature one-and two-bedroom units, as well as retail and supportive services space on the ground floor. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2024.

The Provincial Government continues to advance programs and initiatives to increase access to affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes:

• The five-point plan to increase the availability of housing that is affordable. Through targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, this plan will result in upwards of 500 new housing options added to the market; and
• The Affordable Rental Housing Program, an investment of over $80 million to support 91 private and community housing sector projects in constructing approximately 900 new affordable rental housing homes by September 2025.

The Rapid Housing Initiative, delivered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) as part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS), provides funding to develop new affordable homes. It covers costs associated with constructing new rental buildings, converting non-residential to affordable multi-unit homes, and rehabilitating buildings in disrepair and/or abandoned into affordable multi-residential homes. These investments made under the Rapid Housing Initiative are expected to support thousands of construction-related jobs for Canadians from coast to coast to coast.

Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, and initiatives that will improve access to safe and affordable housing are crucial to those efforts. These new units feature universal design and accessibility features and will help foster a more positive quality of life for eight individuals or families in our province.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Across this country, there’s an urgent need for more and better-quality housing. This funding provides concrete support here in St. John’s and will help keep people together. In partnership with Indigenous partners and provinces and territories, we are working to build rapid housing in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Our plan is ambitious because access to safe and adequate housing is a human right. It is essential to one’s sense of dignity, safety, and inclusion.”
Joanne Thompson
Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home – a place to live, raise a family, and build a future. As MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, I welcome this new initiative and am pleased to note the special features of universal design that will certainly promote accessibility and inclusivity in our community.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters – Pleasantville

“As we witness the completion of these first housing units as well as others developed through the support of the Rapid Housing Initiative, let’s recognize the profound impact they’ll have on the lives of our fellow residents. With Universal Design features and a focus on energy efficiency, these homes are more than structures; they’re symbols of inclusivity, accessibility, sustainability and stability for our residents.”
His Worship Danny Breen
Mayor of the City of St. John’s

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Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable

National Housing Strategy

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BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts

• The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) was launched as a $2.5 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) to help address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians.
• The Government of Canada’s 2022 budget announced an additional investment of $1.5 billion for a third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). This new funding will create up to 4,500 new affordable homes, with at least 25 per cent of funding going towards women-focused projects. This brings the total investment in RHI to $4 billion, which will help build over 15,000 homes in total for people who need them most in this country.
• The Rapid Housing Initiative is part of Canada’s National Housing Strategy (NHS), an $82+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly at placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
• As of September 30, 2023, the Government of Canada has committed over $38.89 billion to support the creation of over 151,803 and the repair of over 241,133 homes. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.