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

Upgrades Announced for St. John’s Social Housing Properties

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues its commitment to improve the province’s social housing portfolio with the awarding of contracts valued at $339,000 for renovations on properties in two St. John’s neighbourhoods.

“Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, our government is upgrading and maintaining the affordable housing portfolio to ensure these properties meet the needs of tenants,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation “Through investments like these we maintain safe and secure housing properties for our communities.”

Newfound Roofing Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $319,400 to provide a complete roof replacement on a building containing eight units on Graves Street. The project is scheduled to be complete by August 2012.

Boone Enterprises Inc. has been awarded a contract valued at $20,000 to repair the roof of a unit on Druggett Place. This work is scheduled to be complete by February 2012.

“I am pleased with the Provincial Government’s continued investment and commitment to providing affordable housing though Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation,” said Tom Osborne, MHA for St. John’s South. “Renovations and repairs such as these make comfortable living spaces for tenants, both now and into the future.”

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes and helping create healthier communities. 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.

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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2012 01 16                          11:10 a.m.