Media Release


February 28, 2024

Federal and Provincial Governments Sign Agreement to Support Modernization of NLHC Homes

The Governments of Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada today announced a new agreement to modernize and upgrade more than 850 Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) homes province-wide. This funding will complement the ongoing work of the Provincial Government to undertake repairs and renovations to its inventory of public housing.

The Affordable Housing Fund (formerly known as the National Housing Co-Investment Fund) includes $8.7 million in federal funding over three years to support renovations or repairs that include energy efficiency and accessibility improvements to existing NLHC homes.

Renovations through this fund will result in a reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of at least 25 per cent from the homes covered by the fund and will result in an additional 170 homes receiving accessibility upgrades.

This funding complements the existing NLHC repairs budget of more than $20 million over that same time period.

In October 2023, the Provincial Government increased the NLHC’s renovations budget by $3 million, allowing for repairs and renovations to an additional 143 homes. As of February 23, work is complete on 123 of these homes and underway on another 19 homes.

NLHC continues to advance initiatives to increase access to stable, safe and affordable housing as part of the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to improving the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. This includes:

  • The five-point plan, which will help stimulate rental housing development, support first-time homebuyers and homeowners with additional space to create basement or secondary suites in their homes.
  • The Affordable Rental Housing Program, which features an $80-million investment that will support private and community sector projects to build over 900 new affordable rental homes.
  • The Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has supported over 500 families find homes in the private rental market since 2021.

To learn more about the five-point plan and other NLHC programs, visit nlhc.nl.ca.

Quotes
“As we work to increase access to affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador, it is also important that we continue to repair and modernize our existing homes. In partnership with the Federal Government, this agreement will make NLHC’s housing portfolio more sustainable over the long-term, ensuring our homes are available to more families.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“NLHC housing brings a safe, affordable place to call home within reach for so many Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. We’re helping them fix up existing homes to give people in our communities a roof over their head. They’re strengthening our local housing stock. That’s work we’re proud to invest in.”
Honourable Seamus O’Regan
Minister of Labour and Seniors and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount-Pearl on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

Learn more
Significant Progress Made in Repairs and Renovations of Provincially Owned Vacant Units

Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable

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Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca

Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca

Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca

 

BACKGROUNDER

Quick Facts
The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.2 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults.

Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.

CMHC contributes to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provides support for Canadians in housing need, and offers unbiased housing research and advice to all levels of Canadian government, consumers and the housing industry. CMHC’s aim is that everyone in Canada has a home they can afford and that meets their needs. For more information, follow us on X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Facebook.