March 22, 2000
(Municipal and Provincial Affairs)

Provincial Home Repair Program

Joan Marie Aylward, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), announced today that $10.2 million will be available this year under the Provincial Home Repair Program. This program will address the needs of low income home owners who require critical repairs to their homes or adaptations to permit accessibility and to alleviate difficulties in daily living.

"I�m very pleased that we were able to provide an additional $1.9 million this year as this program will provide assistance to approximately 3,100 households, and will improve the housing conditions for some 8,000 people living in these homes," said the minister. Of the $10.2 million available this year, $7.9 million will be allocated in the form of grants, with an additional $2.3 million available for repayable loans. This renovation program will create over 250 person years of employment. Housing construction programs have long been recognized for their impact on the economy and employment. This program, by itself, will put $10.2 million into the economy and create over 250 person years of employment.

The NLHC has been delivering this program for two years now and it has been very popular among low income home owners requiring assistance. The extension of the program will let the NLHC continue to address the needs of those already on the waiting list, while also offering assistance to those households with critical repair needs.

Funding for the Provincial Home Repair Program is in addition to the funding announced for home construction and renovation under the Northern Coastal Labrador Strategic Initiative. "The announcement today of two major housing initiatives demonstrates government�s commitment to addressing the housing needs of low income individuals and families in the province," said the minister. This Provincial Home Repair Program is a federal/provincial cost-shared initiative.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Communications, (709) 729-1983.

2000 03 22