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

Avalon Region Social Housing Receives Upgrades

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded contracts valued at $126,000 to upgrade four social housing properties in the Avalon region.

“This investment will improve daily living for families in these units’” said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “Families in communities across the province have benefited from our ongoing modernization and improvement program, and we continue to make great strides in maintaining and improving our vital social housing properties.”

Burnt Head Construction Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $68,000 to carry out siding, door, roofing, window, stair, deck, and ramp replacements on a duplex in Carbonear. The anticipated completion date for this work is July 2012.

“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has been investing significant funds to enhance older social housing throughout the province, ensuring safe and affordable homes will continue to be available for those with greatest need,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Natural Resources and MHA for Carbonear - Harbour Grace. “Since our government came to power, we have made amazing progress in renovating and enhancing our existing social housing, to the benefit of our tenants across the province.”

Square One Siding Ltd. has been awarded a contract valued at $58,000 to renovate a unit in Heart’s Content and a unit in Victoria. The units will receive siding, door, roofing, window, stair, deck, and ramp replacements. The anticipated completion date for the Heart’s Content contract is July 2012, while the anticipated completion date for the work in Victoria is September 2012.

“I am pleased to see this work underway in our community,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay de Verde. “This work will see that these homes continue to meet the needs of current tenants, as well as ensure that we continue to have viable affordable housing options available for families with low incomes 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 low-income households and helping create healthier communities. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity 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 06 22             2:40 p.m.