To support women and children at risk or fleeing violence on the Burin Peninsula, the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments came together today to announce more than $7.5 million to build a shelter for women in Marystown. This investment is aligned with the Provincial Government’s overall commitment to supporting the safety and well-being of women in the province.
Owned and operated by Grace Sparkes House, the new shelter will have 10 private rooms with 20 beds, with a design that will accommodate single women, women with children and trans women that are in emergency need.
The shelter will have a safe interior space with a fenced-in outdoor courtyard. Security features such as cameras monitored by staff, deadbolts and keycard entry will also be in place. The residents will have access to both an in-suite kitchenette and a communal kitchen, as well as laundry facilities in each wing of the building.
Funding for this project includes:
Construction of the project is expected to be completed in spring 2024.
Quotes
“Our government continues to prioritize initiatives that support the safety of women and children at risk of or experiencing violence. From the introduction of Clare’s Law this year to our investment in this new shelter, we are focused on helping women find a safe place to recover and rebuild their lives. In addition to supporting this new build, we will continue to provide $9.1 million annually to support the 10 transition houses provincewide.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Every woman deserves a refuge where their dignity is upheld and their journey to healing is supported. This women’s shelter will not only be a physical haven, but a symbol of our collective dedication to creating a society where every individual can thrive free from violence and fear.”
Honourable Pam Parsons
Minister Responsible for Women and Gender Equality
“Thanks to today’s announcement, women in Marystown and surrounding areas will soon have safe and affordable housing if they need shelter. It’s through facilities like this one that residents will be able to heal and begin building a promising future for themselves and their families.”
Churence Rogers
Member of Parliament for Bonavista – Burin – Trinity
“In early 2023, the Town of Marystown donated a parcel of land to the Grace Sparkes House for the purpose of building a new state-of-the-art facility in Marystown. The town is looking forward to seeing a brand-new facility allowing more space to assist those in need with regards to domestic violence.”
His Worship Brian Keating
Mayor of the Town of Marystown
“Empowering safety and hope: Our commitment to building a new safe haven for women and children affected by violence shines through with our government and community partners as we secure funding for a new, inclusive shelter. Providing those who use our services with comfort, safety, privacy and support is paramount during their healing in times of distress and the new physical design of Grace Sparkes House will do just that as it was developed through the vision and suggestions of the women and children who have trusted us with their care and safety over the past 23 years. Grace Sparkes House is unwavering in our dedication to ensuring that no one suffers in silence or lives in fear, and this initiative represents our collective resolve to provide women and children with a nurturing space to heal and begin living their lives free of violence.”
Lisa Slaney
Executive Director, Grace Sparkes House
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Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act Proclaimed
Housing Funding Initiatives Map
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
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Media contacts
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Office of Women and Gender Equality
709-729-2987, 709-699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca
Micaal Ahmed
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Brian Keating
Mayor, Town of Marystown
709-277-0612
bkeating@townofmarystown.ca
Lisa Slaney
Grace Sparkes House
709 279-3561
lslaney@gracesparkeshouse.com
BACKGROUNDER
Quick Facts
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) is highlighting significant progress on repairs and renovations to the 143 provincially-owned vacant units identified in a request for quotations in October 2023. As of December 8, 2023:
A full breakdown of progress on these units to date can be found in the backgrounder below.
These 143 units are in addition to the standard repair and renovation process undertaken each year by the housing corporation, which is an ongoing part of its management of the province’s affordable housing units. When any NLHC unit or home becomes vacant, it requires repairs before new tenants can move in. In 2023-24, 298 units have been repaired and offered to tenants.
Work on these additional 143 units was supported by an investment of $3 million from the Provincial Government, increasing the NLHC’s overall repair and renovation budget to $6 million for 2023-24.
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 to meet the changing demands for housing. These include:
Quote
“With over 80 per cent of these additional renovations either complete or underway, we have shown our government’s commitment to moving forward rapidly on actions that will increase the availability of affordable housing in Newfoundland and Labrador. We will continue to work with our partners in the community and with other levels of government on shared solutions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
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Photos showing pre- and post-renovation of one vacated NLHC unit repaired this year in St. John’s.
Learn more
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable
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Media contact
Marc Budgell
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-727-5843
mtbudgell@nlhc.nl.ca
BACKGROUNDER
Progress on Repairs and Renovations to 143 Provincially Owned Vacant Units as of December 8, 2023
| Region | Vacancies at Start | Completed | In-Progress | Not Assigned | Estimated Completion |
| Eastern | 85 | 34 | 44 | 7 | January 31, 2024 |
| Central | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | January 31, 2024 |
| Western | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | Complete |
| Labrador | 31 | 6 | 7 | 18 | February 28, 2024 |
| TOTAL | 143 | 62 | 56 | 25 |
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