The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Major renovations being completed on social housing buildings in St. John�s West

Extensive upgrading of approximately $337,000 is being undertaken on three non-profit housing complexes in the St. John�s West area of the city. Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), and Sheila Osborne, MHA for St. John�s West, announced today.

�This work demonstrates the corporation�s orderly and planned approach in dealing with the maintenance and modernization of its social housing portfolio,� said Minister Burke. �In addition to improving the housing conditions, the area tenants take great pride in their neighbourhood and truly appreciate these improvements.�

�It�s great to see these renovations happening,� said area MHA Shelia Osborne. �And, having been in regular contact with my constituents, I know they are also delighted with the work. We all look forward to seeing the end result.�

The refurbishments include new vinyl siding, installation of new windows, doors and roofing on an eight-unit building on Salter Place, and roofing work on a seven-unit building on Anspach Street. These renovation costs are approximately $231, 293 and are being completed by Quantum Construction Ltd.

Exterior renovations including new siding, replacement of windows, doors and roofing will also be completed on an eight-unit building on Barachois Street. These improvements are being done by Oates Construction Ltd. at a cost of approximately $106,000. Work is now underway on all properties and completion is anticipated by December 2005.

Media contact: Jenny Bowring, NLHC, (709) 724-3055

2005 08 19                     11:50 a.m.