The Provincial Government today announced an investment of up to $2 million in the L’Arche Avalon housing project, which aims to assist adults living with intellectual disabilities to live fulfilling lives as active and engaged members of their community. It will also provide operational funding of $1.6 million annually beginning in 2027-28.
The Provincial Government is Newfoundland and Labrador Canada’s first Well-Being Province and is committed to supporting projects that foster inclusive and accessible communities where all residents have equal opportunities to participate. L’Arche Avalon aims to establish and sustain homes in the St. John’s region where adults with intellectual disabilities and their support assistants live together in a supportive partnership.
The proposed project will be located on Charter Avenue in Pleasantville. The project will feature two eight-unit homes, each with four fully accessible units on the main level. The main floor will be barrier-free, with universal design principles guiding the layout of the upper floor. In addition, the buildings are expected to achieve a 26 per cent reduction in energy use, contributing to long-term sustainability. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated in 2027.
The Provincial Government is supporting the project through an investment of up to 50 per cent of the capital construction costs, up to $2 million. The Federal Government will also be contributing $912,000.
L’Arche Avalon is division of L’Arche Canada, an incorporated non-profit organization which operates in 30 communities around the country from British Columbia to St. John’s, and is part of the international L’Arche movement in 37 countries. L’Arche seeks to house and engage with people with intellectual disabilities and work toward a more inclusive society while respecting each person’s wishes and preferences.
L’Arche Avalon already hosts activities for people with intellectual disabilities in the province, such as monthly walks and meals, music circles and social gatherings. This money will enable the charity to construct a residential living facility where adults with intellectual disabilities will live with their support assistants in an atmosphere of respect and social well-being.
Quotes
“This project will be a great addition to the ever-growing Pleasantville neighbourhood of St. John’s. L’Arche provides a great service to the community, especially for individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. I welcome their increased presence in our community and applaud their efforts and commitment to grow the L’Arche footprint in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Jamie Korab
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Our government is focused on delivering housing for the people of St. John’s and across the country. Supporting L’Arche Avalon Pleasantville Project is one of the ways we do that. I’m proud of our involvement in this project, and of the tangible difference it will make for people in this community.”
Honourable Joanne Thompson
Federal Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
“This investment is another sign of government’s commitment to transforming the health system, based on recommendations from Health Accord NL to one that recognizes how beneficial it is to an individual’s well-being to be part of the community. This residential community-living option is good news for the individuals, their families, their support workers and the neighborhood.”
Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Health and Community Services
“We are pleased to see this project moving forward, as it will provide care to individuals with intellectual disabilities in a safe and comfortable community environment, and add to the richness of this growing neighbourhood. The L’Arche model of inclusion and respect has proven itself around the world, and we are happy to support the local chapter with their worthwhile project.”
Honourable Bernard Davis
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and MHA Virginia Waters-Pleasantville
“L’Arche Avalon is overjoyed to share the incredible news that our Province has committed both capital and operational funding to our vision! Paired with land obtained from Canada Lands Corporation through the Government of Canada’s Federal Lands Initiative, this brings us one giant step closer to opening two beautiful L’Arche homes in Pleasantville for adults with intellectual disabilities. These two homes will be more than just buildings; they will be places of belonging, friendship and dignity. Rooted in L’Arche values of community and inclusion and inspired by decades of success across Canada, we know they will no only enrich the lives of those who live there, but also strengthen the very heart of our wider community.”
Lewis Andrews
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors, L’Arche Avalon
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L’Arche Avalon
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