The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is highlighting significant progress on repairs and renovations to the 143 provincially-owned vacant units identified in a request for quotations in October 2023. As of December 8, 2023:
A full breakdown of progress on these units to date can be found in the backgrounder below.
These 143 units are in addition to the standard repair and renovation process undertaken each year by the housing corporation, which is an ongoing part of its management of the province’s affordable housing units. When any NLHC unit or home becomes vacant, it requires repairs before new tenants can move in. In 2023-24, 298 units have been repaired and offered to tenants.
Work on these additional 143 units was supported by an investment of $3 million from the Provincial Government, increasing the NLHC’s overall repair and renovation budget to $6 million for 2023-24.
Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments to meet the changing demands for housing. These include:
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“With over 80 per cent of these additional renovations either complete or underway, we have shown our government’s commitment to moving forward rapidly on actions that will increase the availability of affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to work with our partners in the community and with other levels of government on shared solutions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Photos showing pre- and post-renovation of one vacated NLHC unit repaired this year in St. John’s.
Learn more
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable
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Media contact
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Progress on Repairs and Renovations to 143 Provincially Owned Vacant Units as of December 8, 2023
| Region | Vacancies at Start | Completed | In-Progress | Not Assigned | Estimated Completion |
| Eastern | 85 | 34 | 44 | 7 | January 31, 2024 |
| Central | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | January 31, 2024 |
| Western | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | Complete |
| Labrador | 31 | 6 | 7 | 18 | February 28, 2024 |
| TOTAL | 143 | 62 | 56 | 25 |
On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Virginia Park Community Centre will temporarily close to allow staff from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and partners to complete an assessment of renovation needs at the facility.
On January 8, 2024, programs and services offered through the community centre will resume at alternate locations within the community, expanding on existing community partnerships. Changes in the new year include:
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, and Ron Ellsworth, Board Chair of the Virginia Park Community Centre, will be available to media to discuss the changes today (Monday, December 11) at the Virginia Park Community Centre, 51 Harding Road, St. John’s, at 10:00 a.m.
These changes will allow the Virginia Park Community Centre group to continue providing essential services to the community and will in some cases also facilitate improved accessibility for residents, while the assessment of necessary renovations is undertaken by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
Residents can continue to reach the community centre through email and by calling centre’s regular phone number (709-579-4534). The community centre remains dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication and is dedicated to addressing resident needs in a timely fashion.
The Virginia Park Community Centre was established in 1987, providing social, educational, recreational and career development programs and services for the residents of Virginia Park. The centre has built strong connections with community partners and contributed to a vibrant and supportive environment in the community.
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Media contact
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Given the anticipated adverse weather conditions, the Provincial Government is advising individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness to call Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s emergency shelter line 1-833-724-2444 for assistance with temporary accommodations, while we continue our efforts to secure more permanent housing options.
Staff from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continue to work with community partners, including End Homelessness St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team and Thrive. They continue to be on site at the tent encampment and are working to assist individuals to go to a shelter where they will have access to supports and services.
Safe Haven Shelter at 10 St. Clare Avenue also serves as a warming centre in times of inclement weather. In addition, services at The Gathering Place continue to be available at this time.
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Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.
Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments and to advance community partnerships to meet the changing demands for housing.
In October, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Point Plan designed to increase the supply of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through these targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, it is expected that upwards of 500 new housing options will be added to the market.
Actions from this plan are already underway. In November, government released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable. That same month, a new First-time Homebuyers Program was launched to support transition to homeownership.
Additional actions taken to address the need for housing include:
These collective actions reinforces the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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“We recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing for the well-being of individuals and families. We are taking meaningful actions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally. Strong partnerships with our federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, along with community and private sector partners will remain important as we work together to deliver innovative housing solutions that allow individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Minister Pike Highlights New Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
First-time Homebuyers Program (FHP) – 2023
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Integrated Health, Housing and Supportive Services Hub
Follow us on X @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca