Newfoundland Labrador Housing�s (Housing) Modernization and Improvement (M&I) Program continues to infuse the local economy. J & J Enterprises 1999 Limited of Gander has received a $74,000 contract to refurbish and renovate eight houses on Collishaw Crescent in Gander. The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and the Honourable Kevin O�Brien, MHA for Gander, made the announcement today.

"With increased funds provided from the Provincial Government in the 2007-08 budget, Housing has been able to upgrade its social housing dwellings throughout the province on a much larger scale than has been possible in many years," said Minister Skinner. "Housing has always assessed and prioritized its annual maintenance and modernization needs. Now, over the next five years, these enhanced funds will provide the opportunity to catch up on refurbishments while still ensuring that buildings with the greatest repair needs are addressed first."

The exterior upgrades for this project include replacement of shingles, eaves, siding, doors and windows. Repairs began the end of October and completion of the project is anticipated by early January 2008. These refurbishments are part of Housing�s long-term preventative maintenance plans for its social housing residences throughout the province.

"I�m very pleased with Housing�s commitment to its maintenance and improvement plans," said Minister O�Brien. "There has been a tremendous amount of positive feedback on the work completed so far, and we look forward to seeing the finished product."

In the 2007-08 Budget, the Provincial Government announced a significant $27.5 million funding increase, over five years, to maintain Housing�s aging and deteriorating buildings. This funding will more than double the resources available to modernize and improve the province�s current social housing residences.

With approximately 5,700 non-profit social housing accommodations province-wide, Newfoundland Labrador Housing is the province�s largest landlord. A significant number of these buildings are 25 � 50 years old and house an estimated 14,000 individuals.

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