Transportation and Works
January 30, 2013

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

NLHC Innovation Addresses Changing Social Housing Needs

Single people and smaller families are benefitting from new social housing options that better meet their needs. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is undertaking another reconfiguration project that redesigns an existing three-bedroom social housing unit in Buckmaster’s Circle, St. John’s into a two-bedroom home and a single-bedroom apartment. Eastern Siding Systems Ltd. was awarded a $177,000 contract to complete this work.

“Reconfigured housing is a smart and innovative approach that provides new affordable housing options in response to the changing needs of single adults and smaller families,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “This project demonstrates that our housing portfolio can successfully adapt existing larger units to create additional homes within the same original space.”

With an investment of $1 million in 2010, the Provincial Government began developing options to address demographic changes impacting the demand for social housing. The first reconfiguration project on Wheeler’s Road in Corner Brook saw the remodelling of two adjoining town houses to create two single-bedroom apartments and one two-bedroom fully accessible home. Last year, two three-bedroom duplexes on Mundy Pond Road in St. John’s were reconfigured into four one-bedroom apartments. The work on the Buckmaster Circle project began in November 2012. It is anticipated to be completed this spring.

Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, advances 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.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 01 30                                11:10 a.m.