May 4, 2012
The following is being distributed at the request of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:
Eastern Gate Manor Officially Opens
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today celebrated the official opening of 12 affordable housing units for seniors at Eastern Gate Manor in St. John’s.
“Our government is proud to be investing in these units at Eastern Gate Manor,” said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and MP for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). “Seniors in need of assistance have access to safe, affordable rental housing, and remain close to their family, friends and support networks.”
Funding of $1.4 million for 11 units was provided for this joint initiative through Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The Federal and Provincial Governments are contributing an investment of $58 million to this program in the province.
“These new units will provide stable, affordable homes for years to come,” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC). “This work is part of a growing list of projects involving partnerships between the Federal and Provincial Governments and non-profit and private sector social housing developers that have proven to be an excellent way to provide families, seniors and people with disabilities more access to safe, affordable homes.”
Tenants took up residence in the new units this past January. The Federal and Provincial Governments contributed to the construction of 11 units while Eastern Gate Church funded one unit on its own. Two of the 12 units are fully accessible.
“The facility is a comfortable, affordable, safe and secure building for seniors where the tenants enjoy a sense of community but yet experience a very private environment,” said proponent, Pastor Gordon Young. “We extend our gratitude to the professional and capable leadership team of NLHC who helped us considerably during the construction process. We thank NLHC Minister Tom Hedderson, for making our dream a reality. Thank you also to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and Minister Finley for their support.”
A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors. A priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors and those who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is also in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which 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.
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 615,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12,500 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, people with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca 
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Media contacts:
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Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Jenny Bowring Communications Manager Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca |
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Katherine LeBlanc Communications and Marketing Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation 902-426-6581 krleblan@cmhc.ca |
Marian Ngo Office of Minister Diane Finley 819-994-2482 |
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Pastor Gordon Young Eastern Gate Church Inc. 709-746-8297 pastorgordyoung@yahoo.ca |
2012 05 04 10:15 a.m.