On Friday, December 22, 2023, the Virginia Park Community Centre will temporarily close to allow staff from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and partners to complete an assessment of renovation needs at the facility.
On January 8, 2024, programs and services offered through the community centre will resume at alternate locations within the community, expanding on existing community partnerships. Changes in the new year include:
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and MHA for Virginia Waters-Pleasantville, and Ron Ellsworth, Board Chair of the Virginia Park Community Centre, will be available to media to discuss the changes today (Monday, December 11) at the Virginia Park Community Centre, 51 Harding Road, St. John’s, at 10:00 a.m.
These changes will allow the Virginia Park Community Centre group to continue providing essential services to the community and will in some cases also facilitate improved accessibility for residents, while the assessment of necessary renovations is undertaken by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
Residents can continue to reach the community centre through email and by calling centre’s regular phone number (709-579-4534). The community centre remains dedicated to maintaining open lines of communication and is dedicated to addressing resident needs in a timely fashion.
The Virginia Park Community Centre was established in 1987, providing social, educational, recreational and career development programs and services for the residents of Virginia Park. The centre has built strong connections with community partners and contributed to a vibrant and supportive environment in the community.
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Media contact
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Given the anticipated adverse weather conditions, the Provincial Government is advising individuals who are currently experiencing homelessness to call Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s emergency shelter line 1-833-724-2444 for assistance with temporary accommodations, while we continue our efforts to secure more permanent housing options.
Staff from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continue to work with community partners, including End Homelessness St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team and Thrive. They continue to be on site at the tent encampment and are working to assist individuals to go to a shelter where they will have access to supports and services.
Safe Haven Shelter at 10 St. Clare Avenue also serves as a warming centre in times of inclement weather. In addition, services at The Gathering Place continue to be available at this time.
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Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.
Access to safe and affordable housing is an important factor in an individual’s overall health and well-being, which is why the Provincial Government continues to make strategic investments and to advance community partnerships to meet the changing demands for housing.
In October, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Point Plan designed to increase the supply of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through these targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, it is expected that upwards of 500 new housing options will be added to the market.
Actions from this plan are already underway. In November, government released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable. That same month, a new First-time Homebuyers Program was launched to support transition to homeownership.
Additional actions taken to address the need for housing include:
These collective actions reinforces the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
Quote
“We recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing for the well-being of individuals and families. We are taking meaningful actions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally. Strong partnerships with our federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, along with community and private sector partners will remain important as we work together to deliver innovative housing solutions that allow individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Minister Pike Highlights New Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
First-time Homebuyers Program (FHP) – 2023
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Integrated Health, Housing and Supportive Services Hub
Follow us on X @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, today announced a provincial investment of over $80 million to support 91 private and community housing sector projects that will see the construction of approximately 900 new affordable rental housing homes throughout the province.
Joining Minister Pike at the announcement was Alexis Foster, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador, and Kelly Heisz, Executive Director of SeniorsNL.
Announced in Budget 2023, the Affordable Rental Housing Program provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the creation of affordable rental homes. The program is being delivered through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and will focus on supporting seniors, as well as other vulnerable populations including young adults, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, newcomers, women and children fleeing violence and people experiencing homelessness. Accessibility and energy efficiency are also key design elements of the program.
Successful proponents will own and manage their projects and rent to lower income households at or below rates established by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. These rates will be based on annual rental market reports published by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In addition to the creation of more than 900 affordable rental homes, selected projects propose the creation of over 240 market rental homes which will further support the longer-term sustainability of the housing developments.
This investment also presents significant opportunities to contribute to provincial economic activity through the engagement of contractors, building supply businesses and the related economic spin-offs.
Access to safe and affordable housing is an important social determinant of health. Last month the Provincial Government unveiled a five-point plan designed to increase the availability of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador, and last week released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable.
A list of the approved projects can be found in the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“We continue to take concrete action to increase the supply of affordable housing throughout the province. Today’s announcement builds on our government’s recent five-point plan and is a great example of how we can work together with our private and community partners to provide affordable housing for individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“Access to affordable housing is vital to the health and well-being of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The participation, by both private and community sector entities, underscores the importance of this initiative. The creation of these new affordable homes will help address the housing supply shortage in our province and provide individuals with more availability and choice to meet their housing needs.”
Alexis Foster
Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders Association-Newfoundland and Labrador
“Inquiries to our organization from seniors looking for affordable housing are at an all-time high. Rents are high, vacancies are low, and the cost of living continues to rise. Increasing the affordable housing stock in this province is welcome news and will certainly help seniors living on low income who need it the most.”
Kelly Heisz
Executive Director, SeniorsNL
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Follow us on X @GovNL, @CSSD_GovNL and @nlhousing
Like us on Facebook
Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Alexis Foster
Canadian Home Builders’ Association – NL
709-753-2000
ceo@chbanl.ca
Kelly Heisz
SeniorsNL
709-737-5904
info@seniorsnl.ca
Private and Non-Profit Sector Housing Projects Selected through the Affordable Rental Housing Program Request for Proposals
| Private Sector Affordable Housing Projects | ||
|
Proponent |
Units |
Location |
| 10503 NFLD Limited |
6 |
Kippens |
| 15292484 Canada Limited |
10 |
Bay Roberts |
| 76202 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. |
10 |
Eastport |
| 76202 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. |
10 |
Glovertown |
| 81485 NL Ltd |
6 |
Irishtown – Summerside |
| 81485 NL Ltd |
6 |
Corner Brook |
| 85577 NL Inc. |
14 |
Botwood |
| 85862 NL Corp |
10 |
Shoe Cove, Pouch Cove, Flatrock |
| 92971 Newfoundland & Labrador Corp. |
10 |
Fortune |
| 93370 Newfoundland & Labrador Inc. |
5 |
St. John’s |
| After You Cleaners Ltd |
5 |
Springdale |
| Angel Housing |
13 |
CBS |
| Ashley Pomeroy’s Rentals |
10 |
Stephenville |
| Avalon Interiors Corp |
15 |
Carbonear |
| Bensaid Services Ltd |
15 |
St. John’s |
| Best View Estates |
10 |
Bay Bulls |
| BP Property Management |
4 |
Marystown |
| Burt Brothers Limited |
4 |
King’s Point |
| Central Erectors Inc. |
10 |
Grand Falls-Windsor |
| Colin & Frances Power c/o CPP Holding’s Inc |
5 |
Grand Falls-Windsor |
| Cooney Holdings Ltd. |
6 |
Appleton |
| CRG Properties Limited |
4 |
Cupids |
| Curtis Porter |
6 |
Kelligrews |
| Cusick’s Contracting Inc. |
8 |
St. Lawrence |
| D.S. Building Contractor Ltd |
10 |
Botwood |
| David & Kim Dawe |
6 |
North River |
| Deborah Reid & Donald Miller |
4 |
Pouch Cove |
| Dober’s Enterprises |
4 |
Marystown |
| Donold Gordon |
8 |
Deer Lake |
| Dwayne Sturge |
6 |
Portugal Cove-St. Philips |
| E&S Management Inc. |
10 |
Harbour Grace |
| Eastern Tree Service INC |
10 |
Burin |
| EJB Contracting |
10 |
Robert’s Arm |
| Elite Holdings Ltd. |
5 |
Holyrood |
| Exploits 2000 Inc. |
10 |
Bishop’s Falls |
| Family Homes Construction Ltd. |
10 |
Bonavista |
| Family Homes Construction Ltd. |
10 |
Bell Island |
| Family Homes Construction Ltd. |
10 |
Portugal Cove/St. Phillips |
| Family Homes Construction Ltd. |
10 |
Kilbride/St. John’s |
| Gary Callahan Holdings Limited |
11 |
Happy Valley Goose Bay |
| Gateway Apartments Ltd. |
14 |
Dunville |
| Godsons Manor – 76493 NL & Labrador Corp |
10 |
Holyrood |
| Golden Road Housing Inc. |
15 |
Kelligrews, CBS |
| Grand Fairways Resort Inc. |
10 |
Burin |
| IDAM Holdings Ltd |
10 |
Bay Roberts |
| J. T. Swyers Co. Ltd. |
15 |
Bonavista |
| Jacob Power |
5 |
Tors Cove |
| Jade Holdings Ltd |
6 |
Deer Lake |
| JDR Construction Ltd. |
10 |
Clarkes Beach |
| Joyce & Gerald O’Reilly |
6 |
Dunville, Placentia |
| Kieffer Contracting & Moosehead Lounge Ltd. |
15 |
Glenwood |
| Klondyke Property Investments Limited |
15 |
Bay Roberts |
| L.I.D Homes Limited |
6 |
Clarke’s Beach |
| M&M Equipment Limited |
5 |
Deer Lake |
| Matthew Lawlor |
12 |
Mobile NL – Route 10 Highway |
| MED Realty Enterprises Ltd |
4 |
Carbonear |
| ML Contracting |
8 |
Bay Roberts |
| ML Contracting |
8 |
Avondale |
| ML Contracting |
8 |
Colliers |
| ML Contracting |
8 |
Holyrood |
| Moosey Meadows Estates Ltd |
10 |
Holyrood |
| Morey’s Apartments |
4 |
Port Anson |
| Nidus Development Inc. |
20 |
St. John’s |
| Pennell Developments Ltd |
13 |
Pouch Cove |
| Philip & Dianne Chaytor |
4 |
Clarkes Beach |
| Pomeroy Enterprises |
5 |
Stephenville |
| RHS Investments Ltd. |
10 |
Baie Verte |
| RHS Investments Ltd. |
6 |
Deer Lake, Airport Avenue |
| Rod & Wendy Greeley |
10 |
CBS |
| Rogers Rentals |
10 |
Marystown |
| RTO Capital Inc. |
10 |
North River, CBN |
| RTO Capital Inc. |
10 |
Paradise |
| S.P. Trucking Ltd. |
5 |
Harbour Grace |
| Sein Construction Inc. |
17 |
Shoal Harbour |
| Shoal Investments Limited |
20 |
Clarenville |
| Stephen Green Holdings INC. |
10 |
Carbonear |
| Stonemount Enterprises Ltd. |
20 |
St. John’s |
| Talamh an Eisc Construction |
10 |
Bonavista |
| The Porte Village Limited |
20 |
Lewisporte |
| Tri-Sun Realty Limited |
8 |
Stephenville |
| Tucker Group Inc. |
20 |
Portugal Cove/St. Phillips |
| Twenty-Three Five Holdings Inc |
10 |
St. John’s, Mount Pearl, Paradise |
| Twillingate Realty Inc. |
10 |
Twillingate |
| Vista Place 2005 Ltd. |
4 |
Springdale |
| Sub-total 792 | ||
| Community Sector Affordable Housing Projects | ||
| Charwood Legion Manors Inc. |
6 |
Carbonear |
| Columbus Centre Inc. |
20 |
Mount Pearl |
| Connections for Seniors |
60 |
St. John’s |
| Happy Valley Goose Bay Housing and Homelessness Coalition |
4 |
Happy Valley Goose Bay |
| Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador |
20 |
St. John’s |
| Port Saunders Development Committee, Inc. |
10 |
Port Saunders |
| The Robert’s Arm Senior Citizen’s Home |
10 |
Robert’s Arm |
| Sub-total 130 | ||
| Total 922 | ||