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

St. John’s Social Housing Properties to be Upgraded

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has awarded a $544,000 contract to G.S. Hunt Ltd. to upgrade 10 social housing units on Pennywell Road in St. John’s.

“These homes are among some of our older social housing properties and this work will give them a much longer life,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “This will mean a great improvement in the quality of life for the families who live there, and will help revitalize the neighbourhood.”

The work will include installing new siding, windows and roofs, insulating basements and replacing fencing, along with various other minor interior and exterior work to improve the homes.

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. 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.

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

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2011 11 10             11:25 a.m.