The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today provided an update on the Froude Avenue fire situation affecting a total of 36 units. Twenty tenants were displaced due to the complete loss of their unit, while others were impacted as a result of heat and smoke/water damage or power loss.

The update is as follows:

• Clean up crews are on site, accompanied by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) staff, and are assessing 16 units which have smoke and/or water damage.
• It is anticipated with the exception of four units, and the eight destroyed by the fire, most tenants could be back in their homes today or tomorrow.
• The four units identified with heavy smoke damage may take up to a week to be refurbished for occupancy.
• NLHC has identified units for permanent housing for the 20 tenants displaced due to complete loss of their units.
• NLHC staff are currently working to ensure all displaced tenants requiring emergency housing will continue to be accommodated.

Counselling services have been available at the Froude Avenue Community Centre since 10:00 a.m. this morning for tenants. Anyone requiring transportation can contact 709-725-8560.

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“I cannot adequately express the sense of community that I have witnessed over the past 24 hours, as people have rallied around the individuals and families affected by this devastating fire. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has risen to the cause, from first responders to community groups and NLHC staff. This is a very difficult time for the residents, and we will continue to support them during their time of need.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

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Learn More
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing – www.nlhc.nl.ca

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Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca