Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded contracts of $1.2 million for major renovations and energy-efficiency upgrades to social housing and for the construction of four apartments in St. John’s.
“This investment is an excellent example of the work Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is doing to ensure that existing social housing lasts well into the future to meet the housing needs of persons with low-incomes. As well, the construction of four apartments for individuals or families will help address the increased demand for smaller accommodations for single adults and persons with disabilities.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Can-Am Platforms and Construction Ltd. has been awarded a $536,000 contract to construct a four-unit building on Prospero Place containing one-bedroom apartments. The building will have two upper-level and two-lower level apartments, with the lower-level units being fully accessible. The anticipated completion date for the project is January 2015.
G.S. Hunt Ltd. has been awarded two contracts valued at $376,000, which includes $99,000 for exterior renovations and repairs to four social housing units at Regatta Terrace. The work will include siding, window, door replacements, installing new eaves, bathroom and kitchen fans and related ductwork, upgrading plumbing and electrical works, and installing heat reduction ventilation units. The anticipated completion date for the work is July 2014.
G.S. Hunt Ltd. was also awarded a $277,000 contract to upgrade an eight-unit building on Graves Street. The work will include roof, siding, window and door replacements, some interior painting and repairs, as well as plumbing and electrical upgrades including the installation of new bathroom and kitchen fans and dryer ventilation hoods. The anticipated completion date for the project is December 2014.
Eastern Siding Systems Inc. will carry out $298,000 in exterior and interior renovations on four homes on Guy Street. The work will include roof, siding, window and door replacements, electrical upgrades as well as the installation of Heat Recovery Ventilation systems, and new fans for the kitchen, dryer and bathroom, which will improve ventilation and air quality in the units. The anticipated completion date for the project is August 2014.
Since January 2013, $10 million has been invested to renovate approximately 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 75 per cent of units province-wide have received exterior upgrades. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues to help meet the social housing needs of smaller families and single people through reconfiguration projects.
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments have committed $700,000 to assist low-income homeowners in Inuit communities who require immediate renovations to their homes. Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides $350,000 towards an equal partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government to assist low-income private homeowners in Nunatsiavut complete major renovations. The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC), joined Sarah Leo, President of Nunatsiavut, today in Nain to announce the one-time initiative developed in partnership with NLHC.
“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the Nunatsiavut Government on this initiative. As recently identified in the Inuit Housing Needs Assessment, this investment will help address some of the housing repair needs of Inuit residents in Inuit communities. We will continue to work with the Nunatsiavut Government to finalize details of the program and develop an initiative that will help ensure families can continue living safely and comfortably in their own homes.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
The Housing Needs Assessment, funded equally by the Nunatsiavut, Provincial and Federal Governments, was carried out in each Labrador Inuit community during the fall of 2012. It identified individual and family housing needs of Nunatsiavut residents, and the need for improved housing in Nunatsiavut, in particular in the communities of Nain and Hopedale.
“Inadequate standards of housing and housing shortages continue to plague many of our communities, particularly Nain and Hopedale. The funding announced today will provide some assistance to homeowners who are unable to avail of existing programs to carry out badly needed renovations and repairs to them homes. The Nunatsiavut Government is pleased to partner with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador on this initiative as we continue to work on developing a long-term strategy to address the current housing crisis in our communities.”
– Sarah Leo, President of Nunatsiavut
Both governments are committed to seeking solutions which can provide the best possible housing options for seniors, families and individuals most in need.
“This investment captures the commitment of both governments to work collaboratively to advance initiatives that benefit individuals and families in Nunatsaivut. I believe that through continued partnerships and dialogue we can deliver programming that meets the cultural and geographic requirements of Inuit communities.”
– The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582, 899-0004
bert_pomeroy@nunatsiavut.com
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial and Nunatsiavut Governments have released the results of an Inuit Housing Needs Assessment that identifies individual and family housing needs of Nunatsiavut residents. The assessment confirmed housing shortages and need for improved housing in Nunatsiavut, in particular in the communities of Nain and Hopedale.
“Our partnership with the Nunatsiavut Government on this assessment has proved valuable and confirmed the seriousness of the situation in Nunatsiavut. As reflected by our participation in the Housing Needs Assessment and our ongoing dialogue with the Nunatsiavut Government, we are committed to using available resources to explore solutions to address housing issues in the Inuit communities. There is also opportunity for greater involvement from the Federal Government to help support residents and these communities.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Conducted in 2012, the Housing Needs Assessment had a response rate of over 90 per cent. The findings from the assessment, coupled with expert knowledge of current housing challenges, and local knowledge of housing needs and preferences, will be used to build healthy housing and contribute to the development of sustainable communities in Nunatsiavut. Some of the assessment’s findings are outlined in the enclosed backgrounder.
“We have always maintained that there is a housing shortage and inadequate standards of housing in our communities. We know there is a significant need for social housing, particularly for seniors and low-income families, as well as the need to repair and/or replace many homes. Our government’s Healthy Homes program will mark a necessary first step towards housing developments that are designed and built by Inuit for Inuit. We are addressing our housing issues at its root to provide long-term housing solutions that are actionable across Nunatsiavut and Inuit Nunangat.”
– Sarah Leo, President, Nunatsiavut
In March, the Nunatsiavut Government will host its first housing session where architects and other housing professionals will learn from Nunatsiavummiut what design options are needed to accommodate local lifestyles, cultural preferences and demands, and local climate. The plan is to build and monitor a pilot multi-unit residential dwelling for Nunatsiavummiut that is culturally relevant, energy efficient and technologically smart, and adapted to new climatic and environmental realities.
“As our government works closely with the Nunatsiavut Government to improve access to housing in Nain, Hopedale, Rigolet, Makkovik, and Postville, it is paramount that we look for innovative solutions. Together, we can advance positive, sustainable outcomes that meet the cultural and geographic requirements of Inuit communities.”
– The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister Responsible for Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
Both governments are committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs
709-3015, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
Bert Pomeroy
Director of Communications
Nunatsiavut Government
709-896-8582, 899-0004
bert_pomeroy@nuntasiavut.com
BACKGROUNDER
Some Results of the Housing Needs Assessment
Some of the information gathered through the door-to-door surveys identified the following:
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded two contracts valued at $336,000 to upgrade 22 social housing homes in St. John’s with home Heat Recovery Systems to increase energy efficiency.
“The Provincial Government recognizes the importance of providing safe and affordable rental housing to families and individuals with low incomes in housing need. These latest contracts will result in upgrades to housing units and demonstrates our continued commitment and investment into social programs.”
– The Honourable Kevin O’Brien, Minister Responsible for NLHC
A $277,000 contract was awarded to G.S. Hunt Ltd. for exterior renovations and installation of home Heat Recovery Systems in six housing units in the east end of St. John’s. The exterior upgrades will include wall, window, door and roofing replacements along with installation of new steps, decks, and ramps. The expected completion date for the work is September 2014.
Eastern Siding Systems Ltd. was awarded a $59,000 contract to install home Heat Recovery Systems in a 16-unit building in the centre part of the city. The project is expected to be completed by April 2014.
Since January 2013, $10 million has been invested to renovate approximately 450 social housing units throughout the province. To date, approximately 75 per cent of units province-wide have received exterior upgrades. The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues to help meet the social housing needs of smaller families and single people through reconfiguration projects.
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to supporting important social programs, strong communities and the health and well-being of children, families and seniors.
QUICK FACTS
– 30 –
Media contacts:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca