The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, today provided an update on the Froude Avenue fire situation affecting a total of 36 units. Twenty tenants were displaced due to the complete loss of their unit, while others were impacted as a result of heat and smoke/water damage or power loss.
The update is as follows:
Counselling services have been available at the Froude Avenue Community Centre since 10:00 a.m. this morning for tenants. Anyone requiring transportation can contact 709-725-8560.
Quote
“I cannot adequately express the sense of community that I have witnessed over the past 24 hours, as people have rallied around the individuals and families affected by this devastating fire. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has risen to the cause, from first responders to community groups and NLHC staff. This is a very difficult time for the residents, and we will continue to support them during their time of need.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
– 30 –
Learn More
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing – www.nlhc.nl.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL , @CSSD_GovNL and @NLHousing
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador have invested in transitional and supportive housing for youth in Southwestern Newfoundland. Supported by the Community Education Network (CEN), the Collaborative Foundations Youth Homelessness Initiative will focus on the provision of transitional and supportive housing and wrap-around services for at-risk and homeless youth ages 18 to 30. Located in Stephenville, the initiative will be able to assist up to eight homeless youth.
The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
For this initiative, the Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, will lease a building to the CEN for a nominal fee of $1 annually. The project has also received $164,000 through the Homeless Partnering Strategy (HPS).
Since the launch of HPS, nearly 35,000 Canadians who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless have benefitted from education and training opportunities; over 34,000 have received help to find work; more than 6,000 new shelter beds have been created; and over 82,000 people received support in finding stable housing.
The Community Education Network, and its Associate Organizations, the Community Action Committee Family Resource Program and the Community Youth Network, provide an array of community-based services including: prenatal support; programs for young children and their parents/caregivers; licensed preschool programs; programs for school-age youth and young adults; mental health and addiction services; adult basic education; career and employment programs; and housing support services.
Quotes
“We are very proud to partner with the Community Education Network. This group provides supports and services to youth at risk bringing about positive change for individuals and communities.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Homelessness is an important issue that our society faces, one that cannot go unnoticed. I would like to recognize the important work that is being done to support children, youth and families by the Community Education Network for Southwestern Newfoundland Inc. This project is a great example of what can be achieved when we come together and work towards common goals.”
Gudie Hutchings
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism
Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
“I am very pleased to see this supportive housing investment in Stephenville. It will go a long way in assisting homeless and at-risk youth in the region. This is a tremendous example of what is possible through strong partnerships and collaboration with the federal government and community organizations.”
John Finn, MHA
Stephenville – Port au Port
“This is an exciting opportunity and will help attain our goal to develop a collaborative and comprehensive continuum of support for youth who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and assist them in attaining stable housing and become self-sufficient.”
Bernice Hancock
Executive Director, Community Education Network
– 30 –
Learn more
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – www.nlhc.nf.ca
Community Education Network – http://communityeducationnetwork.ca
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055, 730-5886
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
The governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are investing more than $6.1 million to support the construction of affordable housing for seniors. The funding is part of the $48.9 million under Investments in Affordable Housing announced in October 2016. Conditional approvals have been provided to six non-profit groups to develop projects.
Gudie Hutchings, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation and Minister responsible for the Research and Development Corporation and MLA for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows, on behalf of the Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
The federal and provincial governments will contribute more than $6 million to six non-profit groups that will create new affordable housing for seniors. The projects will create 49 new units for seniors and include 14 fully accessible units
Seniors have benefitted from more than half of the 1,500 new housing units created throughout Newfoundland and Labrador under the Investment in Affordable Housing Agreement.
Quotes
“These new projects highlight the benefits of partnerships with our non-profit community sector and address real and ongoing seniors’ housing needs. This investment will also provide seniors with access to more affordable and accessible housing options throughout the province.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“We have an aging population in Newfoundland and Labrador, and we need to be responsive to this changing demographic. I am delighted more housing opportunities for seniors will be available in my district, as they continue to be active members of our towns and communities.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation and MHA for St. Barbe – L’Anse aux Meadows
“Our government remains committed to making significant investments in affordable housing, strengthening Canadian communities and helping create jobs and grow the middle class and those fighting hard to join it. We are providing better places for seniors to live independently, and building a strong foundation for a sustainable economic future.”
Gudie Hutchings
Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains
– 30 –
Learn more
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) – www.cmhc.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation – www.nlhc.nf.ca
Follow us on Twitter @GovNL and @CSSD_GovNL
Media contacts
Krista Dalton
Children, Seniors and Social Development
709-729-3768, 685-6492
kristadalton@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Émilie Gauduchon
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Duclos
819-654-5546
Emilie.Gauduchon@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Natalie Chavarie
Public Affairs Advisor
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-4262
nchavari@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Non-profit sector affordable seniors’ housing projects
| Proponent | Units | Location | Funding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gate Church Inc. | 4 | St. John’s | $500,000 |
| Wesley United Church | 10 | St. John’s | $1,250,000 |
| Cochrane Community Outreach & Performance Centre Inc. | 5 | St. John’s | $625,000 |
| Town of St. Anthony | 10 | St. Anthony | $1,250,000 |
| Humber Valley Day Care Centre Inc. | 10 | Pasadena | $1,250,000 |
| Evangel Pentecostal Church | 10 | Gander | $1,250,000 |
| TOTAL | 49 | $6,125,000 |
Last week, as part of Budget 2017, the Provincial Government announced $9 million in funding over three years for two new home-energy-efficiency programs. Government will provide financial assistance to homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs by improving the energy efficiency of their homes
The Home Energy Savings Program (HESP) will provide low-income households with grants of up to $5,000 for cost-effective upgrades in existing homes with electric heat, focusing on insulation and air sealing. The HESP will be delivered over three years by the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
The Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP) will provide low-interest loans for energy efficiency home upgrades. Through the HEELP, qualifying home owners whose homes are reliant on electric heat can receive financing of up to $10,000 over five years for heat pumps and insulation. The program features low-interest financing of Prime plus 1.5 per cent, and will be delivered by the Office of Climate Change in partnership with Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro over three years.
Funding in 2017-18 for HESP is $1 million, rising to $2 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20. The program will launch on July 4, 2017. Funding for HEELP is $1 million in 2017-18, rising to $1.5 million in 2018-19 and 2019-20. This program will launch in October 2017. For a breakdown of these programs, please see the backgrounder below.
Quotes
“Our government is committed to helping homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their homes in the face of rising energy costs. Through two new energy efficiency upgrade programs, homeowners who rely on electric heat will be able to reduce their electricity bills while simultaneously improving the comfort of their homes. Energy efficiency also plays an important role in helping tackle climate change, a key priority of our government.”
Honourable Perry Trimper
Minister Responsible for Office of Climate Change
“Investment in energy efficient measures such as the Home Energy Savings Program can provide benefits on multiple social levels. The opportunity to increase energy efficiency in homes has the potential to significantly improve health and well-being for individuals.”
Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Our customers care about saving energy and saving money. That’s why we offer many rebate programs aimed at helping homeowners make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable. We are happy to partner with government in delivering this new, low-interest financing program so customers can install products that will provide energy savings over the long term.”
Jocelyn Perry
Chief Operating Officer, Newfoundland Power Inc.
“Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro is committed to providing customers with information, tools and programs that help people make smart decisions about their energy usage. We actively promote energy efficiency and conservation to our customers and provide support through several initiatives. We are pleased today to see government’s commitment to helping home owners by providing access to energy efficiency upgrades at low financing rates.”
Dawn Dalley
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Services, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
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Media contacts
Jenny Bowring
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Gina MacArthur
Office of Climate Change
Executive Council
709-729-4748, 730-2977
GinaMacarthur@gov.nl.ca
Michele Coughlan
Newfoundland Power
709-737-2821
mcoughlan@newfoundlandpower.com
Erin Squires
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
709-737-1311
erinsquires@nlh.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Details on the new energy efficiency programs
As part of Budget 2017, the Provincial Government announced two new energy efficiency programs to lower energy costs and tackle climate change.
Home Energy Savings Program (HESP)
Home Energy Efficiency Loan Program (HEELP)
Eligibility