Transportation and Works
Executive Council
February 21, 2013

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

Hopedale Families Enjoy New Affordable Housing

Four families in Hopedale are enjoying their first winter in new affordable housing as a result of a $942,000 Provincial Government investment through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.

“Supporting the construction of affordable housing in northern communities is part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of people with low incomes,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “As well as constructing new social housing, our government is partnering with private and non-profit groups in Labrador to find innovative community solutions for homelessness, and to provide affordable housing for people in vulnerable circumstances.”

The four, two-bedroom units were completed in December.

“These units are an example of how our government is committed to providing affordable housing options for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “This project directly supports the Northern Strategic Plan, and the goals of developing programs and services that meet the needs of Labrador communities.”

This is the second recent investment in new social housing construction in coastal Labrador. In 2012, the Provincial Government completed four three-bedroom homes in Nain with an investment of $945,000.

“Our government is committed to policies and initiatives that support Aboriginal people and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. “This investment in affordable housing in Hopedale is further proof of that commitment and I am pleased these four new two-bedroom housing units are complete and four families have made them their homes.”

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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• Photo: With a Provincial Government investment of $942,000, four newly-constructed two-bedroom affordable housing units are now completed and occupied in Hopedale.

2013 02 21                            11:40 a.m.