Transportation and Works
October 5, 2012

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

Corner Brook Community Centre Reveals Major Upgrade

The WestRock Community Centre, formerly Dunfield Park Community Centre, has celebrated its official reopening following an $889,000 refurbishment by Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC.) The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for NLHC, joined the centre’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, and supporters at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Corner Brook today.

“This newly renovated centre is a very important component of the overall Crestview Avenue neighbourhood revitalization which has seen approximately $6.7 million in investments for building renovations and upgrades since 2008,” said Minister Hedderson. “On behalf of everyone at Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, I extend congratulations to the WestRock Community Centre. I have every confidence this enhanced centre will remain the heart of the community for many years to come.”

The WestRock Community Centre is one of eight community centres, supported by NLHC. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation also supports 10 affiliated neighbourhood centres, and 38 neighbourhood associations throughout the province.

“The staff and board of directors should be very proud of what they have accomplished here,” said Vaughn Granter, MHA for Humber West. “This wonderful new facility will help them continue their valuable work providing programs for tenant families and area residents.”

The centre offers programs such as After School Drop-in, Homework Haven, Computer Program, Kids Eat Smart, Adult Basic Education, Skills Links, and a variety of sports and recreational activities.

“On behalf of our board of directors, staff, tenants, and the many residents of Corner Brook who count on our centre for direction and support in the pursuit of a better quality of life, we are delighted that you have come to celebrate your new community centre and take in all that is yours to enjoy,” said Ben Fitzgerald, WestRock Community Centre’s Executive Director. “A special thanks to the Provincial Government, NLHC CEO Len Simms, Karen Moores, NLHC’s Community Development Manager, and all NLHC staff for supporting our vision and helping us bring enhanced employment, education, health, recreation and social programs and services to area tenants and neighbours.”

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year 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.

NLHC is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2012 10 05                           11:30 a.m.