Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
July 31, 2015

The following is being released on behalf of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:

Making Affordable Housing a Priority

Roofing Upgrades Improve Buckmaster’s Circle Social Housing

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded a $140,000 contract to Eastern Siding Systems Inc. for roofing upgrades to 26 social housing units located at Buckmaster’s Circle in St. John’s.

“Since 2009, the Provincial Government has approved $82 million for NLHC’s modernization and improvement plan. The result has been that, in recent years, about 77 per cent of NLHC’s 5,584 existing social housing units have received upgrades. I am pleased to see the work continuing with this latest project milestone.”
- The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The 26 homes are contained in five buildings at Buckmaster’s Circle. The work will include replacement of shingles, roof sheathing, vents, eaves, eavestroughs and installation of new bathroom fans. The anticipated completion date for this project is November 2015.

“Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has achieved great success over the past six or seven years in modernizing and refurbishing its rental housing properties throughout the province. This work helps ensure the longevity of the units and directly enhances quality of life for tenants by making their homes more comfortable.”
- John Ottenheimer, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

Budget 2015 provides $10 million to NLHC to upgrade 450 social housing units throughout the province.

QUICK FACTS:

• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is investing $140,000 for roofing upgrades on 26 social housing units at Buckmaster’s Circle in St. John’s.
• In recent years, about 77 per cent of Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s rental units have received modernization and improvement that will extend the life of the properties.
• Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord, with 5,584 rental units province-wide.
• For more information on Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation programs and services, visit: //www.nlhc.nf.ca/ .

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Media contacts:

Heather May Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca

Jenny Bowring Communications Manager Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation 709-724-3055 jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

2015 07 31                              2:00 p.m.