Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
August 10, 2015

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

Investing in Affordable Housing

Renovations Improve Social Housing Properties in Mount Pearl

Modernization and improvements are underway on 10 Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) homes on Topsail Road in Mount Pearl. G.S. Hunt Enterprises Ltd. was awarded a $417,000 contract to undertake interior and exterior renovations on the social housing properties.

“Finding and accessing quality affordable housing is a challenge for many individuals and families with low income. Continued investment and upgrading in our social rental housing directly improves quality of life and helps create stronger, healthier neighbourhoods and communities.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The 10 units are contained in one building which will receive new roofing, siding, windows, doors, ventilation and electrical upgrades, along with the installation of heat recovery ventilation systems (HRVs) and exhaust fans. The property will also receive various site improvements. The anticipated completion date is April 2016.

“I am pleased to see this contract awarded and the work started. The significant upgrades being undertaken on these 10 social housing homes is just one indication of how our government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, is helping people with low incomes to live in comfortable home environments.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North

Budget 2015 provides $10 million to NLHC to upgrade 450 social housing units throughout the province. Since 2007, close to 77 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation units province-wide have received upgrades.

“This work demonstrates Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s commitment to and awareness of the needs of individuals and families with lower incomes. Upgrades such as these enhance the social housing portfolio, ensuring that we will continue to have safe and affordable housing options to offer those in greatest need long into the future."
- John Ottenheimer, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

NLHC is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,584 affordable rental units province-wide. For more information NLHC programs and services, see: www.nlhc.nf.ca/programs/programs.html opens new window.

QUICK FACTS:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $417,000 to provide exterior and interior renovations on 10 homes in Mount Pearl.
  • The 10 units are contained in one building which will receive new roofing, siding, windows, doors, ventilation and electrical upgrades, along with the installation of heat recovery ventilation systems (HRVs) and exhaust fans. The property will also receive various site improvements.
  • Budget 2015 provides $10 million to NLHC to upgrade 450 social housing units throughout the province.
  • Since 2007, about 77 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation units province-wide have received upgrades.

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Media contacts:

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social
Development
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Dwayne Legge
Executive Assistant to the
Honourable Steve Kent
MHA for Mount Pearl North
709-729-2074
dwaynelegge@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

2015 08 10                              2:15 p.m.