Media Release


September 24, 2021

Froude Avenue Building Receives Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification

Honourable John Abbott, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is pleased to announce the Corporation’s recently constructed eight-unit building on Froude Avenue, St. John’s has been officially certified through the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification™ (RHFAC) Program.

Minister Abbott recently visited one of the families in their new home and heard first-hand the positive difference these construction design features can have in the lives of people with accessibility needs.

RHFAC is a national rating system launched in 2017 which helps measure the accessibility of buildings and sites based on a consistent methodology, and promotes increased access through the adoption of Universal Design principles.

The building includes four wheelchair-accessible, two-bedroom units on the main level, and four two-bedroom units on the second level. The Universal Design features used throughout the building include items such as:

  • ‘No step’ level entry building entrances;
  • Front door landing and rear deck/patio with a turning radius;
  • Widened exterior and interior doors and hallways;
  • Lowered casement windows with easy operating controls;
  • Lever-type door handles;
  • Lower kitchen counters;
  • Lower sink with accessible knee space;
  • Bathroom grab bars;
  • Bathroom clear turning radius; and
  • D‐pull handles on cabinets/drawers.

Ensuring all units in the building were energy efficient was a key element in design and construction. In addition to exceeding the National Building Code requirements for energy performance, the building also complied with the Provincial Government’s ‘Build Better Buildings’ policy. The property was also assessed under the EnerGuide for Homes rating system, confirming the units are energy efficient and will help reduce occupants’ energy costs.

Quotes
“I’m proud to say that in addition to receiving the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification, this development is the first multi-unit, residential building in Atlantic Canada to receive this designation. These construction features highlight the vision and skill of our NLHC team who planned and worked diligently to create these inclusive, energy-efficient and welcoming homes.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Our new home has made a remarkable difference for our family. My daughter has been smiling since the day we moved in, thanks to the freedom and independence it offers her. I also want to thank NLHC’s staff who were incredibly helpful and made everything much easier for us.”
Clyde Driscoll
NLHC Tenant, Froude Avenue, St. John’s
 

Learn more

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

The Rick Hansen Foundation

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