Transportation and Works
December 10, 2009The following is being
distributed at the request of Newfoundland Labrador
Housing:
Housing Units to Be Converted to
Electric Heat
The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of
Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for
Newfoundland Labrador Housing (Housing), today announced
that Skyline Contracting Ltd. has been awarded a
$157,500 contract to convert 16 housing units in the
rural Avalon Region to electric heating systems.
"One of the cornerstones of the Williams Government�s
new social housing plan is to maintain and upgrade the
social housing properties for lower-income households
well into the future," said Minister Hedderson. "Given
that our economy has significantly improved in recent
years, we can now be more proactive and ensure we
maintain housing for those most in need in our society."
The units are located in Holyrood, Hant�s Harbour,
Dunville, Conception Harbour, South East Placentia, Long
Cove, Trinity Bay, Heart�s Delight, Salmon Cove,
Spaniard�s Bay, Witless Bay, Cupids, Upper Island Cove,
Bell Island, and Paradise. The anticipated completion
date for this project is December 2009.
This work is in keeping with the goals of the
Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador �
Secure Foundations, which outlines a new long-term
vision for social housing aimed at improving the housing
circumstances of lower-income households and helping to
create healthier communities.
These current upgrades and repairs are part of
Housing�s annual Modernization and Improvement program.
As part of Budget 2009: Building on Our Strong
Foundation, the Provincial Government will invest
$14.55 million for building, renovating and
retro-fitting social housing infrastructure throughout
Newfoundland and Labrador.
In the spring, the federal and provincial governments
announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new
and renovate existing affordable housing throughout the
province over the next two years. Overall, the
Provincial Government contribution is $50 million, with
the Federal Government contributing a further $43
million.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
