Major roofing renovations for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing) properties located on Blackmarsh Road are close to completion. Eastern Siding Systems Ltd. was awarded the $125,000 roofing contract to do the work on 16 social housing properties houses on Blackmarsh Road.

"I�m delighted to see our social housing properties throughout the province being upgraded at the current pace," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister Responsible for Housing and Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. "We are meeting the rental needs of our communities by ensuring these renovations are undertaken, and in addition, these ongoing initiatives are generating significant economic spin offs for the residential construction and retail industry."

"It�s wonderful to see these homes brought up to current standards, and made more weather secure and comfortable for tenants," said Bob Ridgley, MHA, St. John�s North. "This project is another in a growing list of upgrades being completed by Housing, which have also tremendously enhanced the neighbourhood."

Last year, the Provincial Government announced a significant $27.5 million funding increase, over five years, to maintain Housing�s aging and deteriorating houses. This funding more than doubles the resources available to modernize and improve the current provincial social housing homes, and enables Housing to provide increased comfort to the families living in these units.

These current roofing renovations are anticipated to be completed by the end of August 2008.

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