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

Social Housing Refurbishment Project Complete in St. John’s

Four social housing units on Anderson Avenue in St. John’s have undergone significant renovations and remodelling. The work was completed in December 2011 by Locbar Limited through a contract valued at approximately $597,000.

“The scope of work for this renewal project was extensive and the renovated homes will provide comfortable living spaces for tenants,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “Investments and improvements to the affordable social housing portfolio are continuing throughout the province and this project will ensure these units will meet the needs of tenants for years to come.”

The project included window, door, siding, roof, interior wall, floor and stair replacements as well as the installation of new kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures, and ventilation systems. New electrical and plumping systems were also installed. The four-bedroom units were remodelled into three-bedroom units to accommodate main-floor laundry facilities and to help address the demand for social housing units for 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 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 26             11:40 a.m.