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

NLHC awards $137,000 renovation contract

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded GS Hunt Ltd. a $137,000 contract to modernize and improve non-profit housing buildings in the St. John�s West area. Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Minister Responsible for NLHC, and Sheila Osborne, MHA for St. John�s West, made the announcement today.

�Modernizing and maintaining NLHC�s 5,700 non-profit rental housing units throughout the province, is a major challenge and constant priority for the corporation. Upgrading its social housing properties is part of the corporation�s annual and long-term planning process to ensure its properties are safely maintained,� said Minister Shelley. �Renovations such as these go a long way to revitalizing community spirit as well as extending the physical life of the buildings.�

�I�m very happy to know this contract has been awarded, and to see the work undertaken,� said area MHA Sheila Osborne. �It�s always good to see neighbourhood properties being upgraded; it contributes greatly to a more positive community feeling.

These exterior refurbishments include roof replacement, new vinyl siding, and window installation for a 10-unit building on Barachois Street, and a 10-unit building on Pasadena Crescent. Work is now underway on both properties and completion is anticipated by mid-September 2006.

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

2006 08 10                                          10:25 a.m.