Human Resources, Labour and Employment
August 25, 2011
St. John’s Social Housing Neighbourhood to be Revitalized
The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is investing $1.4 million to revitalize the Brophy Place neighbourhood of St. John’s with a series of upgrades to the neighbourhood’s affordable social housing units.
The Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Len Simms, Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, were joined by board members, staff and tenants of the MacMorran Community Centre to make the announcement.
“I am delighted to see this investment in this vibrant neighbourhood, which will greatly improve the homes, as well as significantly enhance the comfort for the families of Brophy Place,” said Premier Dunderdale. “It is clear, based on the volume of affordable social housing that has been upgraded over the past two years, that our government is committed to providing and improving affordable housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador for those with the greatest need.”
The Brophy Place neighbourhood consists of 72 units contained in nine buildings that were constructed over 30 years ago. This new investment is providing major long-term upgrades, such as new siding, windows, doors and roofs needed on six buildings that had received partial upgrades, along with complete exterior replacements on the remaining three. The modernization and improvement work will also include the upgrade of electrical and heating systems, and kitchen cupboards and bathrooms.
“The work announced today represents a significant investment on behalf of our government in this neighbourhood and is yet another example of the significant effort and resources we have invested throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in maintaining and improving social housing,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “All in all, this work will ensure that these homes will be in good shape for many years to come.”
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping to create healthier communities. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
“We are delighted to have Premier Dunderdale here today to make this announcement and we applaud the Provincial Government for making such a significant investment in our community,” said Jim Crockwell, Executive Director of MacMorran Community Centre. “This investment will undoubtedly enhance our community and improve the quality of lives of our residents.”
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador also allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.
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Media contacts:
| Glenda Power Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 glendapower@gov.nl.ca |
Milly Brown Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 631-8477 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
| Bradley Power Director of Communications Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment 709-729-0753, 699-5707 bradleypower@gov.nl.ca |
Jenny Bowring Manager, Communications Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca |
| Jim Crockwell, Executive Director MacMorran Community Centre 709-722-1168 jcrockwell@macmorran.ca |
2011 08 25 10:55 a.m.