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

Rabbittown Community Centre Officially Re-opens

Neighbours and friends gathered to celebrate the official re-opening of the Rabbittown Community Centre in St. John’s today. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) recently completed approximately $600,000 in major renovations and accessibility upgrades on the centre, which serves approximately 800 people in the Empire Avenue, Graves Street and Freshwater Road area.

“The Provincial Government is pleased to celebrate the much anticipated reopening of the newly renovated and revitalized Rabbittown Community Centre,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “For 26 years this centre has been providing support and opportunities for people of all ages to become more involved in community life and explore their potential. These renovations will enable this facility to be enjoyed for years to come.”

The renovation work completed by J & T Construction Ltd. includes a remodelled multi-purpose room; new windows, doors, siding and roof; enhanced life safety features; upgraded heating systems; and accessible washrooms. As well, an extension has been added for the main entrance, which features a new wider stairwell that will be equipped with a platform stair lift in the coming months to enhance accessibility to the basement and second floor.

“We’re thrilled to be back and looking forward to taking advantage of the amazing renovations – especially the new platform stair lift – to carry on the quality programs and services that can make a positive difference in people’s lives,” said Lilly Lush, Executive Director of the Rabbittown Community Centre. “On behalf of our board of directors, staff and volunteers, and the families who use the centre, we applaud Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for seeing this project through to completion. Many thanks also to our good friends at the Parish of St. Augustine Church on Westerland Road from where we hosted many programs and special events during construction.”

Rabbittown Community Centre is one of eight community centres throughout the province that are supported by NLHC, along with 10 other neighbourhood centres. Since 1986, the multi-purpose facility and its staff and volunteers have provided recreational, health, educational, social, and career programs to the community. Programs include After School Drop-in, Youth Program, Homework Haven, Healthy Baby Club, Computer Program, Junior Youth Mentoring, Community Kitchen, Career Services, Wellness Programs and Public Health Nursing Clinic.

NLHC is providing substantial investments to upkeep its community centres. Froude Avenue Community Centre in St. John’s is in the midst of a $500,000 makeover, and last month the former Dunfield Park Community Centre in Corner Brook, renamed WestRock Community Centre, and celebrated its official reopening following an $889,000 refurbishment.

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.

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 11 28                       10:50 a.m.