Transportation and Works
January 14, 2010

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

New Kitchen Cabinets Slated for Stephenville Housing Units

The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced a $108,000 contract to Norwest Specialities of Glovertown to supply new kitchen cabinets for installation in Housing units in the Stephenville area.

"This investment is being made possible through the Williams Government's new social housing plan which focuses on enhancing our aging social housing portfolio and providing tenants with quality modern homes," said Minister Hedderson. "Newfoundland Labrador Housing is in the midst of a series of modernization and improvements like this one throughout the province."

The kitchen cabinets will be installed by Housing staff in several units on Duchess Drive, St. Stephen's Street and Marshall Court. The anticipated completion date for this contract is February 2010.

"The social housing portfolio in our area received some significant investment this past year, including the construction of six new units on Wyoming Drive in Stephenville to rebuild units that were destroyed by flooding," said Tony Cornect, MHA for Port au Port. "This new investment is a strong start to 2010."

These current upgrades and repairs are part of Housing's annual Modernization and Improvement program. As part of Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong Foundation, the Provincial Government is investing $14.55 million for building, renovating and retro-fitting social housing infrastructure throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

This work is also in keeping with the goals of the Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, which outlines a new long-term vision for social housing aimed at improving the housing circumstances of lower-income households and helping to create healthier communities.

Last spring, the federal and provincial governments announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new and renovate existing affordable housing throughout the province over the next two years. Overall, the Provincial Government contribution is $50 million, with the Federal Government contributing $43 million.

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2010 01 14                           11:55 a.m.