August 30, 2011
Another 100 Social Housing Units to be Renovated
Through a $1.3 million Provincial Government investment, 100 affordable social housing units in St. John’s will be upgraded, as part of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s 2011-12 modernization and improvement program.
“There’s been a lot of renovations on our social housing portfolio over the past few years, evidence that we are moving ahead to modernize and address the social housing needs of the province for the future,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “The work on these affordable homes in St. John’s in particular further shows the Provincial Government’s commitment to ensuring that our housing portfolio is safe and of a good standard for modern living.”
The work includes the replacement of roofs, siding, windows, doors, landings and basement insulation. The following contracts have been awarded:
- Newfoundland Roofing Ltd. has received contracts totalling $367,000 to replace the roofs on 22 units on Algerine Place, Eagle Court and Wigmore Court;
- G.S. Hunt has been awarded a $99,000 contract to re-roof 12 units on Beothuk Street;
- Imperial Painting has received contracts totalling $77,000 to paint the exteriors of 47 units on New Pennywell Road, Empire Avenue, Wigmore Court, Livingstone Street, Goodview Street, Gilbert Street and Cabot Street; and,
- Johnson Holdings has received $184,000 to replace roofing on 20 units on Nascopie Crescent.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation workers will also be carrying out $580,000 in upgrades on 16 units on Wigmore Court.
The anticipated completion date for all projects is late summer to early fall 2011.
“I am delighted to see this significant investment in these social housing neighbourhoods,” said Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John’s North. “I am proud to represent a government that consistently provides investments to improve the homes and lives of those with the greatest need.”
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.
“This work is continuing to give new life and vitality to the downtown neighbourhood that includes Livingstone, Goodview, Gilbert and Cabot Streets,” said Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John’s South. “These upgrades will definitely contribute to neighbourhood rejuvenation and ensure that these units continue to provide affordable housing in an area where rental units are in great demand.”
Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador 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:
| 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 |
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Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-0898, 697-1424 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
2011 08 30 9:45 a.m.