The development of a tailored framework for an Atlantic Innovation Initiative designed to develop solutions for the rapid expansion of housing supply for the Atlantic provinces was the focus of discussions today in Halifax between and the Atlantic Provincial housing ministers and The Honourable Sean Fraser, Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Both the Federal and Atlantic Ministers acknowledged the momentum from recent achievements and progress already made and agreed that continued collaboration between both levels of government is needed to address the challenges facing the housing sector.
Incentivizing factory built construction
Central to discussions on incentivizing the construction of factory-built homes were methods to source innovative building materials. The Ministers agreed to identify options, including non-regulatory approaches, to improve alignment of construction practices, particularly for modular and mass timber construction methods, across Atlantic Canada.
Establishing an Atlantic Canada chapter in the housing catalogue
Acknowledging the significant interest in the Federal Government’s recently announced housing design catalogue initiative, Atlantic Ministers discussed the opportunity to collaborate with the Federal Government to include regional specific options within the catalogue of pre-approved home designs. This would include the development of modular housing, a sector in which the Atlantic provinces are poised to lead.
Flexibility that recognizes the unique needs of the Atlantic region
Highlighted throughout discussions was the significant change of the housing landscape in the Atlantic Provinces over the last five years. Rapid population growth, both in large urban cities and in rural areas, as well as the effects of high interest rates, inflation and labour shortages have contributed to difficulties finding affordable and available homes in the region. Ministers were united in recognizing that there is no “one size fits all” solution for addressing these issues, and that flexibility and dedicated funding is required to deliver housing solutions that respond to local needs.
The Atlantic Provinces and the Federal Government are committed to increasing regional collaboration and working together to develop innovative construction methods, increase productivity, and create sustainability and affordability throughout Atlantic Canada’s housing sector.
Quotes
“Newfoundland and Labrador was encouraged by today’s meeting with our Atlantic and federal colleagues that focused on advancing a regional approach to drive innovation and productivity to accelerate housing supply. Strong partnerships that leverage our collective expertise and resources are crucial to addressing the diverse and growing housing needs in communities throughout our province and the Atlantic region.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“The challenges faced by the Atlantic Provinces require a ‘made in the Atlantic’ solution. Today’s discussions reiterated our government’s commitment to work collaboratively with our provincial partners to address the complex issues that impact housing supply and affordability in Atlantic Canada. The Federal Government will continue to use every lever at its disposal to accelerate future developments, tap into new and innovative construction methods, and create affordable and accessible housing in communities across the Atlantic provinces.”
Honourable Sean Fraser
Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“I am encouraged by the clear demonstration today of the shared commitment to do things differently, faster, and more collaboratively, for the benefit of all our citizens. Our predominantly rural population will require unique solutions. We will continue to work with our federal partner to provide these and future initiatives in support of our growing economy and population in Nova Scotia.”
Honourable John Lohr
Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Nova Scotia
“Today’s meeting, like anytime I gather with my Atlantic housing counterparts, was productive and heartening. We are all in agreement that the need for safe, secure, and comfortable housing is crucial in our region. I am confident that with the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in Atlantic Canada all focused on addressing the need we will see successes in our jurisdictions.”
Honourable Jill Green
Minister Responsible for the New Brunswick Housing Corporation
“The government of Prince Edward Island appreciates the opportunity to continue discussions with our Atlantic colleagues on how we can increase our housing supply and address the affordability and accessibility issues Atlantic Canadians are facing. Building a stronger housing sector that meets the diverse and growing needs of our population takes long-term, coordinated commitment from all levels of government. We need to build on our successes, remove barriers to development, and find innovative solutions that can make a real change for our communities.”
Honourable Rob Lantz
Minister of Housing, Land and Communities, Prince Edward Island
-30-
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Krista Higdon
Communications Advisor
N.S. Municipal Affairs and Housing
902-220-6619
krista.higdon@novascotia.ca
Rebecca Howland
Communications
New Brunswick Housing Corporation,
rebecca.howland@gnb.ca
April Gallant (she/her)
Senior Communications Officer
Departments Housing, Land & Communities
aldgallant@gov.pe.ca
902-314-2753
Media Relations
Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
Web: Infrastructure Canada
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 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
-30-
Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Follow us on X at @GovNL and @NLHousing
Like us on Facebook
BACKGROUNDER
Quick Facts
The Provincial Government, along with its community partners, continues its efforts to address homelessness in the province, and is today announcing a partnership between the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services and Clayton Hospitality, a local hotel operator. This partnership will see the hotel, located at 106 Airport Road in St. John’s, used as a transitional supportive living arrangement for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Transitional supportive living provides temporary accommodations with wrap-around supports for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, with the goal of fostering transition to independent permanent housing. This facility includes 140 rooms for use as transitional units and will include designated rooms supported by NL Health Services. Clients will be identified through an intake process and health care services will include harm reduction, community health nursing, case management, mental health and addiction services and social navigation.
The facility will feature on-site personnel, security and a key card system for each individual room, as well as three-times daily meal service. Hotel staff will be joined by a combination of community-based staff, security and health care professionals.
The facility is expected to begin accepting temporary residents in March 2024. The lease agreement provides for a three-year term until December 31, 2026.
The new arrangement complements the important work to date by the St. John’s Homelessness Acute Response Task Force since its establishment in late-November. All individuals staying at the tent encampment have been offered safe and secure placement with wrap-around supports.
Coordinated services continue to be offered and delivered to individuals engaged in the encampment in downtown St. John’s. Through regular visits by partner agencies including the Provincial Government, End Homelessness St. John’s, and NL Health Services, individuals continue to be offered services and medical care, as required.
The NL Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team, which includes nurse practitioners, psychiatric registered nurses, pharmacists, occupational therapists, addictions counsellors, peer support and outreach staff, continues to be actively engaged in working with the individuals to understand their health needs, including medications and mental health supports.
The task force consists of the Honourable John G. Abbott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure and MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi; His Worship, Danny Breen, Mayor of the City of St. John’s; and Doug Pawson, Executive Director of End Homelessness St. John’s. The task force continues to meet with community partners.
Quotes
“We are very pleased that we have advanced another option for those experiencing homelessness in our province. While we recognize there is no one quick solution that will address the complex issues surrounding homelessness, this represents one more opportunity for individuals to have a safe, warm, transitional supportive living arrangement. We continue to work on securing appropriate options for individuals at the Colonial Building site, and all have been offered a safe and secure placement with wrap-around supports.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
MHA for St. John’s East – Quidi Vidi
“This transitional supportive housing initiative is another example of how, in working with dedicated community partners, we can find creative solutions to addressing homelessness, providing wrap-around services to meet individual needs while continuing to work toward more permanent housing solutions.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“We are pleased to see a new transitional housing option being made available to support our most vulnerable neighbours. Building upon models from across the country, we know just how important it is to intentionally integrate health, housing and community supports into this new facility. We are hopeful that combining efforts and resources across NL Health Services, NLHC and community partners will deliver better outcomes and be the catalyst for the transformation of the shelter system in St. John’s and beyond.”
Doug Pawson
End Homelessness St. John’s
Learn more
Follow us on X at @GovNL, @TI_GovNL and @NLHousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contact
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Melony O’Neill
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-3015, 709-689-0928
melonyoneill@gov.nl.ca
Doug Pawson
End Homelessness St. John’s
709-770-4902
dpawson@wecanendit.com
To support women and children at risk or fleeing violence on the Burin Peninsula, the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments came together today to announce more than $7.5 million to build a shelter for women in Marystown. This investment is aligned with the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of women in the province.
Owned and operated by Grace Sparkes House, the new shelter will have 10 private rooms with 20 beds, with a design that will accommodate single women, women with children and trans women that are in emergency need.
The shelter will have a safe interior space with a fenced-in outdoor courtyard. Security features such as cameras monitored by staff, deadbolts and keycard entry will also be in place. The residents will have access to both an in-suite kitchenette and a communal kitchen, as well as laundry facilities in each wing of the building.
Funding for this project includes:
Construction of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize initiatives that support the safety of women and children at risk of or experiencing violence. From the introduction of Clare’s Law this year to our investment in this new shelter, we are focused on helping women find a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives. In addition to supporting this new build, we will continue to provide $9.1 million annually to support the 10 transition houses provincewide.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Every woman deserves a refuge where their dignity is upheld and their journey to healing is supported. This women’s shelter will not only be a physical haven, but a symbol of our collective dedication to creating a society where every individual can thrive free from violence and fear.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“Thanks to today’s announcement, women in Marystown and surrounding areas will soon have safe and affordable housing if they need shelter. It’s through facilities like this one that residents will be able to heal and begin building a promising future for themselves and their families.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista – Burin – Trinity
“In early 2023, the Town of Marystown donated a parcel of land to the Grace Sparkes House for the purpose of building a new state-of-the-art facility in Marystown. The town is looking forward to seeing a brand-new facility allowing more space to assist those in need with regards to domestic violence.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of the Town of Marystown
“Empowering safety and hope: Our commitment to building a new safe haven for women and children affected by violence shines through with our government and community partners as we secure funding for a new, inclusive shelter. Providing those who use our services with comfort, safety, privacy and support is paramount during their healing in times of distress and the new physical design of Grace Sparkes House will do just that as it was developed through the vision and suggestions of the women and children who have trusted us with their care and safety over the past 23 years. Grace Sparkes House is unwavering in our dedication to ensuring that no one suffers in silence or lives in fear, and this initiative represents our collective resolve to provide women and children with a nurturing space to heal and begin living their lives free of violence.”
Lisa Slaney
Executive Director, Grace Sparkes House
-30-
Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act Proclaimed
Housing Funding Initiatives Map
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Follow us on X at @GovNL, @WGE_GovNL and @NLHousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-2987, 709-699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Brian Keating
Mayor, Town of Marystown
709-277-0612
bkeating@townofmarystown.ca
Lisa Slaney
Grace Sparkes House
709 279-3561
lslaney@gracesparkeshouse.com
BACKGROUNDER
Quick Facts