The Provincial Government today issued an invitation to tender for the demolition of 32 existing long-term vacant units in the Crestview Avenue area of Corner Brook to make way for the construction of 50 new provincially-owned homes.
As part of record provincial investments in housing in Budget 2024, the Provincial Government announced $20 million to construct new homes in the area that are modern and energy efficient, with universal design features incorporated throughout.
On May 30, Inflector Environmental Services LP was awarded a tender to undertake abatement of the existing structures, valued at $429,300. The abatement process is ongoing and was required to safely remove materials containing asbestos and any other environmental concerns from the buildings prior to demolition.
The invitation to tender issued today includes the demolition of four vacant buildings in the Crestview Avenue area, as well as the safe removal of debris from the site and preparation of the site for new construction.
It is anticipated that an RFP for the construction of the new buildings will be issued in late-summer or early-fall 2024. The project will include multi-unit buildings that feature a combination of one- and two-bedroom homes, the greatest area of need in the current social housing portfolio.
Quotes
“I am pleased to see continued progress on our commitment to construct 50 new homes in Corner Brook. As a government, we continue to prioritize initiatives that will increase access to stable, safe and affordable housing for individuals and families in the western region.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing
“This is the next step and a welcomed step in our government’s decision to move forward with the construction of 50 new homes for 50 families in our city. This multi-million-dollar investment is being made by our government and demonstrates the priority that we are placing on housing throughout the province.”
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills and MHA for Corner Brook
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Provincial Government to Build 50 Homes in Corner Brook
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The Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Housing, is attending the Atlantic Mayors’ Congress from June 20-22 in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Minister Hutton will join a panel discussion on Saturday, June 22, with housing ministers from other Atlantic provinces to discuss ongoing work in each jurisdiction and how provinces and municipalities can work together to address issues of affordable housing and homelessness.
The Atlantic Mayors’ Congress provides a forum for the exchange of ideas and a unified voice for municipal leaders in Atlantic Canada to address significant issues. The organization, which meets twice annually, is committed to improving municipal government and developing a strong, unified voice to advocate for municipalities in the Atlantic Region.
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To support community housing providers in the development of affordable housing projects, the Provincial Government is today announcing a partnership with the Community Housing Transformation Centre (CHTC) to establish a $1.5 million Newfoundland and Labrador Community Housing Growth Fund.
The fund will support non-profit, co-operative and Indigenous organizations and registered charities pursuing the creation of affordable housing with planning and pre-development work, allowing them to take advantage of funding opportunities from all levels of government.
Organizations will be supported by CHTC’s program managers from their initial project conceptualization, with the goal of helping to shape project development and improve the rate of project success.
Funding is available to support a wide range of planning and pre-development activities, which often serve as a barrier for community housing providers to advance projects. Eligible expenses include:
The $1.5 million invested in the fund includes $1.25 million from the Provincial Government and a $250,000 contribution from CHTC.
The Community Housing Transformation Centre is a Canadian non-profit organization that was founded in 2018 by a network of organizations that represent and serve the needs of Canada’s community-housing sector. The group has supported a number of organizations throughout Newfoundland and Labrador in recent years, including Stella’s Circle, the St. John’s Status of Women Council, The Gathering Place, Choices for Youth and End Homelessness St. John’s.
Groups interested in applying for support under the program can visit the CHTC website.
The Provincial Government continues to invest in the growth of the community housing sector. The Affordable Rental Housing Program includes conditional approval for seven affordable community housing sector projects that would see 130 new homes constructed in six different communities.
Quotes
“Through this partnership, we will empower community housing providers to overcome barriers that often stand in the way of moving important projects forward. Growing the community housing sector is key to increasing the overall supply of long-term affordable housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Fred Hutton
Minister of Housing
“We are very pleased to be supporting non-profit housing providers and co-ops through the new Community Housing Growth Fund. We are proud to be part of this important initiative to strengthen the community housing sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Stephan Richard
Development Director, Community Housing Transformation Centre
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Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
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Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
709-724-3025, 709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Jean-François Fayad
Community Housing Transformation Centre
1-833-360-3967 x112
f.fayad@centre.support
The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Fred Hutton, Minister of Housing:
Speaker, it is my privilege to rise and recognize April 14 to 20 as National Volunteer Week here in Newfoundland and Labrador.
National Volunteer Week recognizes and celebrates every volunteer, and their contributions to strengthen inclusivity and well-being in our communities. The theme for National Volunteer Week 2024 is “Every Moment Matters,” signifying the importance of every moment that a volunteer gives their time, their skills, their creativity and their empathy to help others.
In a few short weeks as Minister of Housing, I’ve seen first-hand the incredible, positive impacts that volunteers have across our housing continuum.
The volunteer staff and boards at community centres throughout the province provide supports that foster a deep sense of community, becoming the focal point for community life. Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Vine Place Community Centre in Corner Brook, and it was evident how the work of the team there is shaping and supporting that community.
I also want to recognize all community partners in the housing and homelessness sector, including the volunteers and Boards associated with non-profit community housing projects. The efforts of these volunteers and community agencies are instrumental in helping many individuals overcome barriers and transform lives.
To all volunteers across every sector in this province, thank you for your dedication to your fellow Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.