The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, announced today that a $548,000 contract has been awarded to Tech Construction Ltd. to convert two social housing duplexes in Corner Brook into two fully accessible homes to meet exceptional and extraordinary needs for two families who have children with disabilities.

"The need for suitable and affordable social housing is well recognized," said Minister Hedderson. "Project by project we are making significant gains in renovating and improving our portfolio and this project in Corner Brook is another stop along the road to securing and maintaining a portfolio that will continue to meet special social housing needs throughout the province."

The duplexes on Hendon Drive and on Green Garden Road will receive extensive interior and exterior renovations. Both homes will be designed with a fully accessible main level, including bathrooms, bedroom and living spaces. The kitchen areas will incorporate some accessible features according to the particular needs of each family. Interior work will include the replacement of walls, floors, ceilings, doors, stairs, kitchen cabinets, insulation, and electrical, ventilation, exhaust, plumbing and heating systems. The exteriors will receive new windows, doors, siding, accessible decks and entry ramps along with new driveways and landscaping. The homes will be equipped with new appliances such as fridges, counter-top stoves, wall ovens, and washers and dryers.

Funding for this project was provided under Housing Trust Funds. The anticipated completion date for these conversions is December 2010.

"I am especially pleased to see that the special needs of these two families are being addressed," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador and MHA for Humber West. "This is an example of the vision that our government outlined in our provincial social housing plan for Newfoundland and Labrador — Secure Foundations. "

Secure Foundations , released in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping to create healthier communities. In Budget 2010: The Right Investments — For Our Children and Our Future , the Provincial Government is investing $27 million for housing infrastructure projects, affordable housing and increased maintenance funding. Newfoundland Labrador Housing is the province's largest landlord with approximately 5,511 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

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