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

St. John’s Social Housing Properties Remodelled

Extensive remodelling of an eight-unit social housing building in St. John’s is now complete. In December 2011, Kelloway Construction Ltd. completed a contract valued at approximately $929,000 to redevelop the building on Freshwater Road, including substantial updating and renovations.

“This renewal project significantly updated the entire building, which is in keeping with the Provincial Government’s long-term priorities to maintain and improve social housing throughout the province,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “This substantial investment brings us closer to reaching our goals and ensures tenants continue to have safe and comfortable homes.”

The work included window, door, siding, roof, interior wall, floor and stair replacements. New kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and ventilation systems were installed, as was new electrical and plumbing systems. The eight three-bedroom units in the building were remodelled into two-bedroom units to accommodate main-floor laundry facilities, and to help address the demand for social housing units for single people and smaller families.

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 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 25             11:50 a.m.