The Provincial Government today 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.
To facilitate the process, a Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) was issued to invite proposals from industry and not-for-profit stakeholders for the development of the land for rental housing. The REOI is in keeping with the commitment to review vacant provincial land and buildings, as announced in the province’s five-point housing plan on October 16.
Initiative number three of the plan focused on the “use of available Provincial Government-owned land and buildings for construction or conversion for purpose-built rental housing, including modular.” Since that time, a review of Provincial Government-owned properties in the metro region has taken place, and a number of vacant properties were identified for this type of development for affordable housing.
As announced last month, the overarching plan is designed to increase the availability of housing that is more affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilizing or reducing housing prices. Government will continue to explore vacant provincial land outside of the metro region for the additional development of affordable rental housing.
The details of the REOI, as well as information on all tenders and requests for proposals issued and awarded by the department and other public bodies, is available at www.merx.com/govnl.
Quotes
“We know that safe, affordable housing and housing that is more affordable are intrinsically linked to our social and economic well-being, and is at the heart of vibrant and healthy communities. We also recognize the housing challenges we are facing in our province and how they are impacting Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. I am very pleased that we are already making progress on our five-point plan to increase the availability of housing through the release of this Request for Expressions of Interest, and I look forward to receiving proposals that will translate into affordable housing.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Through this Request for Expressions of Interest for proposals, we are making available properties at fair market value that can be developed specifically for affordable rental housing. It is our hope as a government that these vacant government-owned properties will be part of the solution to help meet the demand we are currently experiencing in our province.”
Honourable John G. Abbott
Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure
“We acknowledge the increased challenges people are facing in accessing affordable housing. Today’s announcement shows how our government is rising to these challenges and is taking tangible and meaningful actions to support the more vulnerable people in our communities, as well as helping to meet market demand for housing that is affordable.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing that is Affordable
Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Maria Browne
Transportation and Infrastructure
709-729-1758; 709-699-6147
mbrowne@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial Government today introduced a five-point plan designed to increase the availability of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through the targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, there will be upwards of 500 new housing options added to the market.
Similar to other jurisdictions across Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador is experiencing increased demand for housing that is impacted by a number of factors, including the province’s sustained growth in population, demographic shifts, and higher costs.
The new initiatives will incentivize the rapid construction of housing that is affordable and support the transition to home ownership. They include:
These actions are in addition to the extra $3 million to repair and renovate approximately 143 vacant Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation units announced today, along with the more than 750 new public housing options that have been advanced over the last two years, and the $140 million record high investment in housing in Budget 2023. Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the province has seen more than 2,000 individuals and families access permanent housing over the last two years, and expansion completed or underway of 165 emergency shelter beds 76 supportive housing units, and 12 second stage housing units, and shelter beds for women.
Quotes
“Our government has set out on a course to improve the social and economic well-being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Improving accessibility to housing that is affordable is a major part of that agenda, and through the five-point plan we launched today we are incentivizing the rapid construction of new housing options as we continue to increase the availability of public housing options as well.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Newfoundland and Labrador, like other jurisdictions across Canada and around the world, are all experiencing demand for safe, accessible, and affordable housing. Our government is rising to the challenge of support the more vulnerable people in our communities, as well as help meet market demand for affordable housing.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
“We applaud the government’s continued commitment to stimulate new housing construction that will make housing more affordable and accessible in the province. We look forward to working closely with the government and our partners in the construction industry to ensure the work is executed with the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for our province, where everyone can access safe and comfortable housing.”
Stephen Short
Vice-Chair and Executive Member, Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Association
“As the advocate for the residential construction sector in Newfoundland and Labrador, we are thankful for our government’s continued efforts to address housing issues in our province. Providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with access to affordable and safe homes is vital. While there are many challenges with the current housing crisis, we are eager to collaborate with the province and our members to support initiatives which strengthen the residential construction sector and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
Alexis Foster
Executive Officer, Canadian Home Builders’ Association Newfoundland and Labrador
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
meghanmccabe@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The Provincial Government, through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, has issued a request for quotations for repairs and renovations to provincially-owned vacant units. The repairs and renovations will be supported by an additional $3 million investment, bringing the total amount allocated to close to $6 million.
The repairs to the approximately 143 vacant units align with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s unwavering commitment to providing access to safe and affordable housing options to its clients. The present request for quotations is in addition to the more than $15 million invested since 2021 to repair and revitalize over 2,000 provincially-owned homes throughout the province.
This investment is also in addition to the more than 750 new public housing options that have been advanced over the last two years, and the $140 million record high investment in housing in Budget 2023.
Through the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the province has supported more than 2,000 individuals and families to access permanent housing over the last two years, along with expansion either completed or underway of:
Quotes
“Reflected by the largest-ever investment in public housing in our province’s history in Budget 2023, our government is fully committed to creating access to safe and affordable housing options. Our investment to repair vacant units complements the many ongoing actions that we are advancing to support residents in need of public housing, and will help alleviate some of the pressures presently being experienced.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Across Canada, and around the world, there are considerable pressures for individuals and families to secure safe and accessible housing. We have been actively working with our partners in the community and with other levels of government to take tangible and meaningful actions to build capacity and create new homes for residents in need.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Follow us on X @GovNL and @NLHousing
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Media contacts
Meghan McCabe
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
MeghanMcCabe@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The following is a breakdown by region of the vacant units to be repaired:
| Region | Units to be Repaired |
| Eastern | 85 |
| Central | 15 |
| Western | 12 |
| Labrador | 31 |
| Total | 143 |
The Provincial Government offers Newfoundlanders and Labradorians experiencing challenges with securing access to housing a range of supports and services. Anyone seeking assistance in completing the necessary applications for affordable housing are encouraged to avail of these resources.
Over the last week, officials from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Harm Reduction Team, have joined community partners on multiple occasions, to visit individuals currently requesting housing supports on Prince Philip Drive. The intent of all of these interactions has been to acquire an understanding of the needs of the individuals and link them with available housing services.
As part of these efforts:
As a result of these directed efforts, some individuals have secured housing and accepted placement in shelters to receive the necessary supports to secure more permanent housing.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, along with other government departments and community partners are continuing efforts to secure more permanent housing options for others at the site.
Along with engaging with staff visiting the Prince Philip Drive location, other available options for individuals seeking supports to obtain housing include:
Anyone looking to support individuals on site in completing the necessary applications can access them here.
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Media contact
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-729-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca