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

Wigmore Manor Apartments to be Renovated

A social housing apartment building in St. John�s will get a facelift thanks to Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing). A $277,000 contract has been awarded to G.S. Hunt Ltd. of Bell Island to renovate Wigmore Manor.

�This project illustrates the Williams Government�s strong promise to maintain and improve our social housing stock throughout the province,� said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Housing. �Through this investment, Housing is very clearly proving its continued commitment to providing quality and affordable housing to our tenants for years to come.�

Wigmore Manor, a 50-unit facility, is located at Wigmore Court in St. John�s. The work to be undertaken includes the complete replacement of roofing, siding, windows and doors, and refurbishing of exterior brick. Ventilation systems such as bathroom exhaust fans and kitchen range hoods will also be replaced.

These current upgrades and repairs are part of Housing�s annual Modernization and Improvement Program, to which the Provincial Government infused an additional $14.5 million in Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation for building, renovating and retro-fitting social housing infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

�I know that I am speaking for all residents of Wigmore Manor when I say how pleased I am that Housing has an annual program such as this to address property upgrades and ensure comfortable homes for those most in need,� said Bob Ridgley, MHA, St. John�s North.

The anticipated completion date for this project is October 2009.

The Provincial Government recently released A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador � Secure Foundations, its long-term vision for social housing designed to improve the housing circumstances of lower-income households and help create healthier communities.

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2009 09 04                                                   11:15 a.m.