The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador celebrated the official opening of eight new two-bedroom affordable housing units for seniors and persons with disabilities in Salt Pond on the Burin Peninsula.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
“Our government is investing in affordable housing here in Salt Pond and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. With our partners, we are providing a helping hand for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community,” said Minister MacKay. “We remain focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and of course their personal financial security.”
Owned and operated by Grand Fairways Resort Inc., the project received a $320,000 equally cost-shared investment from the Federal and Provincial Governments. This funding comes as a result of the $41 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This is another great example of a private sector developer stepping up to help meet the housing needs of seniors,” said Minister Davis. “The Provincial Government, through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is pleased to have invested $160,000 to support this project aimed at giving seniors and persons with disabilities the security and comfort they deserve.”
A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors, and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. A copy of the social housing plan is available at SocialHousingPlan-2009Report.
“NLHC’s Affordable Housing Program has served my company very well both as a funding partner and a source of guidance to make these eight new homes for seniors in Salt Pond possible” said Ira Cribb, President, Grand Fairways Resort Inc. “As a private sector housing developer we are very pleased to play our part in contributing to the housing needs of seniors.”
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents an estimated 11,400 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.
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Media contacts:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Katherine LeBlanc
Consultant, Communications & Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-6581
krleblan@cmhc.ca
Jan O’Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Ira Cribb, President
Grand Fairways Resort Inc.
709-277-5023 cellular
gfr@eastlink.ca
The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador celebrated the official opening of six new two-bedroom affordable housing units for seniors in Burin.
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), along with the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.
“Our government is dedicated to helping those in need which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in Burin,” said Minister MacKay. “These six units are more than just safe and affordable places to live; they are the key to a better life for the people that will call them home.”
The project owned and operated by W.W. Builders Developers Inc. received $240,000 in funding, an equally cost-shared investment by the Federal and Provincial Governments. This funding comes as a result of the $41 million Investment in Affordable Housing 2011-2014 Agreement between the Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador.
“I am pleased to celebrate the opening of these new affordable housing projects in the Burin Peninsula area,” said Minister Davis. “The Provincial Government’s $120,000 investment in this facility demonstrates our commitment to enhance housing options for seniors and persons with disabilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
A key objective for the Provincial Government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public, and non-profit sectors. Priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors, and people who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador –Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. A copy of the social housing plan is available at SocialHousingPlan-2009Report 
.
“We are very fortunate to once again have the support of the federal and provincial governments to make our new affordable housing project for seniors a reality, said Wayne Wiscombe, President, W.W Builders Developers Inc. “Our past experience working with both levels of government through NLHC’s Affordable Housing Program was a success, and now we see this success repeating itself for the benefit of seniors who need comfortable, secure homes.”
The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest approximately $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of close to 594,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 11,400 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.
To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca .
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Media contacts:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Katherine LeBlanc
Consultant, Communications & Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-6581
krleblan@cmhc.ca
Jan O’Driscoll
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482
Wayne Wiscombe, President
W.W. Builders Developers Inc.
709-277-5505
wayne.wiscombe@hotmail.ca
Major renovations have given new life and space to the Froude Avenue Community Centre in St. John’s. Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) hosted a celebration today to officially re-open the centre.
“The Provincial Government is proud to announce this $500,000 investment for the Froude Avenue Community Centre and the neighbourhood,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for NLHC. “Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation continues to make investments like this one in order to help create healthier communities throughout the province. These upgrades will allow the centre to enhance the programs and services they have been providing to tenants for the past 27 years.”
The renovation work completed by Diversified Construction Ltd., includes an extension to the centre’s multi-purpose room and exterior upgrades of windows, doors and siding. Froude Avenue Community Centre is one of eight community centres and 10 neighbourhood centres supported by NLHC throughout the province. Programs offered by the centre include After School Drop-in, Youth Program, Homework Haven, Computer Program, Junior Youth Mentoring, Community Kitchen, Career Services, Wellness Programs, and Public Health Nursing Clinic.
“Our community centre is constantly active, day and night, with something for everyone,” said Bob Dawson, Executive Director, Froude Avenue Community Centre. “On a daily basis my staff and I see the positive difference the centre and its programs make in people’s lives. On behalf of our board of directors, staff and volunteers, and the families who use the centre, our heartfelt thanks to Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation for making this happen.”
NLHC is providing substantial investments to upkeep its community centres. In recent months, Rabbittown Community Centre in St. John’s re-opened following a $600,000 makeover, and WestRock Community Centre in Corner Brook also celebrated its official reopening following an $889,000 refurbishment.
Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future provides $10 million for NLHC’s Modernization and Improvement Program.
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Media contacts:
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications (Acting)
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-1758, 631-9505
carolanncarter@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Bob Dawson
Executive Director
Froude Avenue Community Centre
709-579-0763
Bob@Froude.ca
Four families in Hopedale are enjoying their first winter in new affordable housing as a result of a $942,000 Provincial Government investment through Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation.
“Supporting the construction of affordable housing in northern communities is part of the Provincial Government’s commitment to meeting the housing needs of people with low incomes,” said the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. “As well as constructing new social housing, our government is partnering with private and non-profit groups in Labrador to find innovative community solutions for homelessness, and to provide affordable housing for people in vulnerable circumstances.”
The four, two-bedroom units were completed in December.
“These units are an example of how our government is committed to providing affordable housing options for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians,” said the Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Service NL and Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “This project directly supports the Northern Strategic Plan, and the goals of developing programs and services that meet the needs of Labrador communities.”
This is the second recent investment in new social housing construction in coastal Labrador. In 2012, the Provincial Government completed four three-bedroom homes in Nain with an investment of $945,000.
“Our government is committed to policies and initiatives that support Aboriginal people and communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister for Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs. “This investment in affordable housing in Hopedale is further proof of that commitment and I am pleased these four new two-bedroom housing units are complete and four families have made them their homes.”
A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador – Secure Foundations, released by the Provincial Government in August 2009, outlines a 10-year vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of low-income households and helping create healthier communities. Budget 2012: People and Prosperity allocated $25.9 million for social housing infrastructure, including $10.4 million for maintenance and $12 million for renovations and improvements.
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation is the province’s largest landlord with approximately 5,573 non-profit social housing dwellings province-wide.
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Media contacts:
Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015, 699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca
Jenny Bowring
Manager, Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing
Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca
Roger Scaplen
Director of Communications
Intergovernmental and Aboriginal
Affairs
Labrador Affairs Office
709-729-1674, 697-5267
rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca