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

Froude Avenue Community Centre Receives $500,000 Upgrade

Major renovations have given new life and space to the Froude Avenue Community Centre in St. John’s. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) hosted a celebration today to officially re-open the centre.

“The Provincial Government is proud to announce this $500,000 investment for the Froude Avenue Community Centre and the neighbourhood,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues to make investments like this one in order to help create healthier communities throughout the province. These upgrades will allow the centre to enhance the programs and services they have been providing to tenants for the past 27 years.”

The renovation work completed by Diversified Construction Ltd., includes an extension to the centre’s multi-purpose room and exterior upgrades of windows, doors and siding. Froude Avenue Community Centre is one of eight community centres and 10 neighbourhood centres supported by NLHC throughout the province. Programs offered by the centre include After School Drop-in, Youth Program, Homework Haven, Computer Program, Junior Youth Mentoring, Community Kitchen, Career Services, Wellness Programs, and Public Health Nursing Clinic.

“Our community centre is constantly active, day and night, with something for everyone,” said Bob Dawson, Executive Director, Froude Avenue Community Centre. “On a daily basis my staff and I see the positive difference the centre and its programs make in people’s lives. On behalf of our board of directors, staff and volunteers, and the families who use the centre, our heartfelt thanks to Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for making this happen.”

NLHC is providing substantial investments to upkeep its community centres. In recent months, Rabbittown Community Centre in St. John’s re-opened following a $600,000 makeover, and WestRock Community Centre in Corner Brook also celebrated its official reopening following an $889,000 refurbishment.

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides $10 million for NLHC’s Modernization and Improvement Program.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

2013 05 22             9:30 a.m.