The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay today announced the official opening of 16 new affordable homes in the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. These homes, built through a federal investment of $5 million through the third phase of the Rapid Housing Initiative, are owned and operated as part of NL Housing’s rental housing portfolio, welcoming tenants in November and December 2024.

The announcement was made by Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay.

The 16 homes are located in four fourplex-style buildings on Brett Street and Lethbridge Street. Four of the homes are two-bedroom units while the other 12 are one-bedroom units, the areas of greatest demand.

Two of the ground level-units are fully wheelchair accessible, while the other six ground level units are visitable, with wider doors and no step entry. All 16 homes were built with universal design features, including 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.

Tenants will come from NL Housing’s existing prioritized waitlist, and rents will be geared-to-income at 25 per cent of the household’s net income. Tenants will also receive a heating subsidy.

Quotes
“We are pleased to officially open these new homes in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, which will support 16 individuals or families in need of affordable housing. Our government remains an open and willing partner with both the Federal Government and municipal governments looking to expand affordable housing throughout our province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing
Minister of Mental Health and Addictions

“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. This investment, through the Rapid Housing Initiative, will provide stability and safety to those who need it the most. I’m proud that this major investment will help meet affordable housing needs here in Newfoundland and Labrador for decades to come. This is our government’s National Housing Strategy at work.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador

“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home to live, raise a family, and build a future – including here in Lake Melville. This Rapid Housing Initiative, in combination with the National Strategy, will provide funding to help build new affordable homes – quickly. The attention on accessibility and inclusivity within the universal design of these 16 units will help towards ensuring no one gets left behind.”
Perry Trimper
Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier
Member of House of Legislative Assembly for Lake Melville

“With such a demand for affordable housing in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, it is great to see the completion of these 16 homes. This is a major investment in our community and provides a safe and stable place for individuals and families to grow and succeed. The 13th Council is thankful to have partnered with all parties involved and looks forward to continuing to work together on future initiatives.”
His Worship George Andrews
Mayor of Happy Valley Goose Bay

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Quick Facts

• The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives is updated quarterly at www.placetocallhome.ca. The Housing Funding Initiatives Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
  • As of September 2024, the federal government has committed $57.57 billion to support the creation of over 156,000 units and the repair of over 297,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
• The Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI) is delivered through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the NHS. It provides funding to facilitate the rapid construction of new housing and the acquisition of existing buildings for the purpose of rehabilitation or conversion to permanent affordable housing units. With its third phase, launched in 2022, the Rapid Housing Initiative once again exceeded targets. It is expected that with this phase over 5,200 new homes will be created, of which almost half will be for women and one third will be for Indigenous Peoples. The total number of units created with the support of Rapid Housing Initiative is expected to be over 16,000 units. The program is now closed.
  • The RHI takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, Veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups, and recent immigrants or refugees.