The Provincial Government has issued a Request for Proposals for the construction of 50 new provincially owned homes in Corner Brook, the next stage of a process first announced in Budget 2024.
The majority of these homes will be built in the Crestview Avenue area of Corner Brook. In the first phase of the project, the Provincial Government awarded multiple contracts totaling nearly $1 million for the abatement and demolition of 32 long-term vacant apartments in the area, work that is nearing completion.
The new builds will involve the construction of multiple buildings that will feature a combination of one- and two-bedroom homes, which are in the greatest demand. Design and construction will demonstrate best practices in terms of land use, integration of walkways, parking and landscaping. A minimum of 10 units will be fully wheelchair-accessible, while all units will incorporate universal design features, such as wider doors and lever handles.
To encourage submissions that will promote rapid construction, the RFP is issued as a “Design Build” procurement model, where a contract is awarded for both the design and the construction of the project. The RFP also allows for proposals from a range of construction types, including traditional wood-frame construction, modular housing or Insulated Concrete Form. To support long-term sustainability, there are targets for energy efficiency performance and construction detailing.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
In Budget 2024, the Provincial Government announced the creation of over 100 new provincially owned homes in Corner Brook, Central Newfoundland and Labrador West. Earlier this week, government announced it had awarded a contract for the development of four homes in Labrador West.
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“I am pleased to see continued progress on these new homes in Corner Brook and look forward to assisting another 50 individuals and families secure safe and affordable housing. Our government continues to work to expand available housing and strengthen communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“Our government recognizes the growing demand for housing in the Corner Brook area and continues to take action to put people in homes. As MHA for Corner Brook, and recognizing that we must move swiftly to build more housing that is accessible, affordable, modern and designed to meet the needs of today’s individuals and families, I am very pleased to see NL Housing moving forward with this latest work to build 50 new housing units in Corner Brook.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture and MHA for Corner Brook
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Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook
Contracts Awarded to Construct New Homes in Labrador West
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Three community housing providers have received funding through the recently established Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund to assist in the development of affordable housing projects.
They include:
The Community Housing Growth Fund supports non-profit, co-operative and Indigenous organizations and registered charities with funding for planning and pre-development work for affordable housing projects, where the absence of this funding often serves as a barrier for these groups to advance their projects. This funding allows these groups to take advantage of further funding opportunities from all levels of government, helping to shape project development and improve the rate of project success.
The fund was created in partnership between the Provincial Government and the national Community Housing Transformation Centre (the Centre). The selection committee for submissions consists of two representatives from Newfoundland and Labrador Housing, one the Centre representative, and two representatives from the province’s community housing sector, or individuals with relevant knowledge, experience and expertise.
The $1.5 million invested in the fund includes $1.25 million from the Provincial Government and a $250,000 contribution from the Centre. Funding is still available, and groups interested in applying for support can visit the Centre’s website.
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“Community sector partners have the passion and the drive to address housing challenges, but often lack funding for pre-development costs. This funding through the Community Housing Growth Fund will help remove this barrier, and our objective is to support these three projects to move forward and create affordable homes for families in the very near future.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
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Provincial Government Partnership to Support Growth of the Community Housing Sector
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The Provincial Government continues to invest in affordable housing to improve the well-being of families and communities throughout the province. Today, government announced that two contracts with a combined value of $1.8 million have been awarded to Capital Environmental to develop provincially-owned homes in Labrador West, which will assist six individuals or families to secure safe and affordable housing.
The first contract, valued at $1.3 million, will see the construction of four new one-bedroom homes first announced in Budget 2024. This fourplex will feature two fully accessible one-bedroom units on the main level, as well as two one-bedroom units on the second level. These four units are replacing two units that were destroyed by fire in 2022.
Universal Design features are incorporated throughout the building and include items such as widened exterior and interior doors and hallways, lever-type door handles and faucets. Energy efficiency is also a key element in the design and construction of the building.
The second contract, valued at $470,000, will cover extensive interior and exterior renovations to two three-bedroom homes that have been vacant since 2019. Work includes replacing siding, windows and doors, repairs to the roof and interior renovations including electrical and plumbing repairs in the kitchen and bathrooms.
It is anticipated that the renovations to existing homes will be complete by spring 2025, while the new builds are expected to be complete by fall 2025.
Last year, the Provincial Government completed renovations and refurbishments on 20 provincially owned homes on Cavendish Crescent in Labrador City. There are currently 88 provincially owned homes in Labrador West.
Quotes
“In Budget 2024, we committed to building new homes in Labrador West, and today we are moving forward with addressing housing needs in the area. Access to affordable housing strengthens communities, and our government will continue to prioritize initiatives that support Labrador West’s continued economic growth.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Housing and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions
“The contracts which have been awarded are another step towards meeting our commitment to contribute solutions to the housing situation in Labrador West. We look forward to the day when the new and renovated units open their doors to families.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs and Minister of Environment and Climate Change
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Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook
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