The Provincial Government today introduced a five-point plan designed to increase the availability of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through the targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, there will be upwards of 500 new housing options added to the market.
Similar to other jurisdictions across Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing increased demand for housing that is impacted by a number of factors, including the province’s sustained growth in population, demographic shifts, and higher costs.
The new initiatives will incentivize the rapid construction of housing that is affordable and support the transition to home ownership. They include:
These actions are in addition to the extra $3 million to repair and renovate approximately 143 vacant Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation units announced today, along with the more than 750 new public housing options that have been advanced over the last two years, and the $140 million record high investment in housing in Budget 2023. Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the province has seen more than 2,000 individuals and families access permanent housing over the last two years, and expansion completed or underway of 165 emergency shelter beds 76 supportive housing units, and 12 second stage housing units, and shelter beds for women.
Quotes
“Our government has set out on a course to improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Improving accessibility to housing that is affordable is a major part of that agenda, and through the five-point plan we launched today we are incentivizing the rapid construction of new housing options as we continue to increase the availability of public housing options as well.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Newfoundland and Labrador, like other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world, are all experiencing demand for safe, accessible, and affordable housing. Our government is rising to the challenge of support the more vulnerable people in our communities, as well as help meet market demand for affordable housing.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“We applaud the government’s continued commitment to stimulate new housing construction that will make housing more affordable and accessible in the province. We look forward to working closely with the government and our partners in the construction industry to ensure the work is executed with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for our province, where everyone can access safe and comfortable housing.”
Stephen Short
Vice-Chair and Executive Member, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association
“As the advocate for the residential construction sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are thankful for our government’s continued efforts to address housing issues in our province. Providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to affordable and safe homes is vital. While there are many challenges with the current housing crisis, we are eager to collaborate with the province and our members to support initiatives which strengthen the residential construction sector and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
Alexis Foster
Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders’ Association Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial Government, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, has issued a request for quotations for repairs and renovations to provincially-owned vacant units. The repairs and renovations will be supported by an additional $3 million investment, bringing the total amount allocated to close to $6 million.
The repairs to the approximately 143 vacant units align with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s unwavering commitment to providing access to safe and affordable housing options to its clients. The present request for quotations is in addition to the more than $15 million invested since 2021 to repair and revitalize over 2,000 provincially-owned homes throughout the province.
This investment is also in addition to the more than 750 new public housing options that have been advanced over the last two years, and the $140 million record high investment in housing in Budget 2023.
Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the province has supported more than 2,000 individuals and families to access permanent housing over the last two years, along with expansion either completed or underway of:
Quotes
“Reflected by the largest-ever investment in public housing in our province’s history in Budget 2023, our government is fully committed to creating access to safe and affordable housing options. Our investment to repair vacant units complements the many ongoing actions that we are advancing to support residents in need of public housing, and will help alleviate some of the pressures presently being experienced.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Across Canada, and around the world, there are considerable pressures for individuals and families to secure safe and accessible housing. We have been actively working with our partners in the community and with other levels of government to take tangible and meaningful actions to build capacity and create new homes for residents in need.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
MeghanMcCabe@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The following is a breakdown by region of the vacant units to be repaired:
| Region | Units to be Repaired |
| Eastern | 85 |
| Central | 15 |
| Western | 12 |
| Labrador | 31 |
| Total | 143 |
The Provincial Government offers Newfoundlanders and Labradorians experiencing challenges with securing access to housing a range of supports and services. Anyone seeking assistance in completing the necessary applications for affordable housing are encouraged to avail of these resources.
Over the last week, officials from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team, have joined community partners on multiple occasions, to visit individuals currently requesting housing supports on Prince Philip Drive. The intent of all of these interactions has been to acquire an understanding of the needs of the individuals and link them with available housing services.
As part of these efforts:
As a result of these directed efforts, some individuals have secured housing and accepted placement in shelters to receive the necessary supports to secure more permanent housing.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, along with other government departments and community partners are continuing efforts to secure more permanent housing options for others at the site.
Along with engaging with staff visiting the Prince Philip Drive location, other available options for individuals seeking supports to obtain housing include:
Anyone looking to support individuals on site in completing the necessary applications can access them here.
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Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-729-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Seven families are moving into newly constructed affordable housing units, six on Brown Crescent in Gander and one in Peterview. The $1.52 million investment for the new housing developments was made possible through the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Bilateral Agreement on Housing through the National Housing Strategy. These homes will be owned and operated by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
On behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, Churence Rogers, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity was present along with the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. They were joined by the Honourable John Haggie, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander and His Worship Percy Farwell, Mayor of the Town of Gander.
The six new homes in Gander are a mix of one and two-bedroom units, and include three fully-accessible ground floor units. The new building in Peterview is a one-unit, two-bedroom ground level home. Universal design features are incorporated throughout all seven homes. Energy efficiency and sustainability were also key elements in the design and construction of these homes.
EJB Contracting Ltd. and Blanchard’s Timber Mart were awarded the contract to undertake the development of the six units in Gander, and the Peterview unit was built by R & D Construction Ltd.
Quotes
“Safe and affordable housing – a place to call home – is key to improving social and economic outcomes for individuals, families and our communities. We are excited today to be opening seven new homes where families can live and build a stable and secure future in their community. We look forward our continued work with our federal and municipal partners in addressing housing needs throughout the province.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Today’s announcement builds on the strong partnership between the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Through our shared dedication and combined efforts, we are getting more homes built for Canadians.”
The Honourable Sean Fraser
Federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“Access to affordable housing is so important and this partnership brings us closer to that goal. I am pleased to see that together with the province, we’re making progress to find Canadians safe and affordable places to call home. Both here in Newfoundland and Labrador and country-wide.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Burin-Trinity
“We are very pleased to be a partner in this development, which has helped to increase the supply of affordable housing options here in the Gander region. Access to such housing is a key social determinant of health and promotes social and economic inclusivity.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and MHA for Gander
“This initiative marks an important initial step in a comprehensive plan to address housing challenges in Gander. Housing plays a foundational role in shaping a growing community that is inclusive, where all residents have access to safe, accessible, and affordable homes. We are grateful to the NLHC and the Government of Canada for their support with this investment. Building on this initial milestone, we will continue to actively pursue and support opportunities to strengthen our housing infrastructure, forging a better Gander for all.”
His Worship Percy Farwell
Mayor of the Town of Gander
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Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
National Housing Strategy
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca