Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is providing $839,000 for the upgrades of 40 affordable social housing units in Western region, as part of its 2011-12 modernization and improvement program.

“This work is part of ongoing modernization and improvement projects throughout the province and will ensure our housing portfolio is being maintained for people with the greatest need,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “Much of the province’s social housing was built 40 to 50 years ago and this work is crucial to sustaining the long-term viability of the housing portfolio.”

The work includes such items at the replacement of siding, windows, doors, roofs, eaves and ventilation systems, and electrical work. Contracts have been awarded to the following companies:

• R&D Construction has received a $200,000 contract to upgrade eight units on Hilliards Road in Curling;
• Pine Martin Adventures Inc. has received a $120,000 contract to upgrade four units on Pratt Street in Corner Brook, and will carry out $49,000 in renovations on two units on Main Dam Road in Deer Lake;
• Notre Dame Agencies has received a $29,000 contract to provide materials for the upgrade of four units on Reids Road in Corner Brook;
• Paddy’s Plumbing has received a $6,000 contract to carry out electrical conversions on two units in Maidstone and St. Davids.

In Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation workers will carry out $160,000 in upgrades on 10 units on Hendon Drive and $71,000 in upgrades on four units on Reid’s Road. In Stephenville Crossing, they will carry out $154,000 in upgrades on five units, on Webb’s Lane, Ingram’s Lane and Seal Cove Road and Rothsay Place. Housing workers will also carry out $50,000 in upgrades on six units in Maidstone and St. David’s.

The anticipated completion date for all projects is late summer to early fall 2011.

A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released in August 2009, outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping to create healthier communities. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.

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Media contacts:

Bradley Power
Director of Communications
Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment
709-729-0753, 699-5707
bradleypower@gov.nl.ca

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