Transportation and Works
August 3, 2010The following is being
distributed at the request of Newfoundland Labrador Housing:
Social Housing Modernization and
Improvement Work Continues
in Three St. John's Neighbourhoods
A contract valued at $197,000 has been awarded to
Eastern Siding Systems Ltd. for exterior painting of 102 social housing
homes in three St. John's neighbourhoods. The Honourable Tom Hedderson,
Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for the
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement
today.
"We are making significant gains in modernizing and
improving our social housing portfolio in St. John's, and in communities
throughout the province," said Minister Hedderson. "This new work being
undertaken in three social housing neighbourhoods in St. John's is part
of Housing's ongoing annual Modernization and Improvement Program with
the goal of revitalizing social housing properties throughout the city
and the province."
The homes to be painted include 26 units in Wigmore
Court, 40 units on Cashin Avenue, Froude Avenue and Vicker's Avenue; and
36 units on Hoyles Avenue. The anticipated completion date for the work
is August 2010.
"Each phase of this ongoing redevelopment in the
Cashin-Froude Avenue area is continuing to give new life and vitality
and bolstering a community spirit that is already strong," said the
Honourable Shawn Skinner, MHA for St. John's Centre. "This new exterior
painting work, coupled with the current construction of four new
accessible social housing homes on Vicker's Avenue and last year's
renovations and retrofits of homes on Vimy Avenue, is transforming this
neighbourhood into a bright spot in St. John's."
"Our government continues to make steady progress
towards its longer term redevelopment commitment to the province's
social housing portfolio, with noticeable improvements and makeovers in
several areas," said Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John's North. "These
enhancements have definitely contributed to the rejuvenation of and
enhanced sense of pride within these neighbourhoods in St. John's
North."
Secure Foundations
, released
in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing
aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households
and helping to create healthier communities. In Budget 2010:
The
Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future
, the Provincial
Government is investing $27 million for housing infrastructure projects,
affordable housing and increased maintenance funding. Newfoundland
Labrador Housing is the province's largest landlord with approximately
5,511 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.