Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador Announce Funding for Affordable Housing Renovations in St. John's


ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwire - Feb. 25, 2013) - The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are jointly investing $577,000 towards the ongoing redevelopment of affordable housing in the Rabbittown neighbourhood of St. John's. Over the coming months, 12 additional homes on Graves Street and Empire Avenue will undergo major exterior renovations.

The Honourable David Wells, Senator, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and the Honourable Paul Davis, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, made the announcement today.

The funding was made available through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Program Agreement, an equally cost-shared federal and provincial investment to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing for low-to-moderate income households and rehabilitate existing rental affordable housing.

"The Government of Canada is helping to make affordable housing available in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada for those who need it the most," said Senator Wells. "These renovated homes in St. John's will help families build a stronger future for themselves."

"Newfoundland and Labrador Housing units throughout the province are undergoing significant redevelopment, ensuring that quality, affordable housing and community supports will be available for the future," said Minister Davis. "We remain committed to improving the housing circumstances of those who are most in need, and to helping foster strong and healthy communities."

Three social housing buildings, two on Empire Avenue and a third on Graves Street, are undergoing major exterior renovations. Work includes the replacement of siding, roofing, windows, doors and steps. The anticipated completion date is June 2013.

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 approximately 605,000 households living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12,250 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.

A key objective for the provincial government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors. A 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. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes and helping create healthier communities. A copy of the social housing plan is available at www.nlhc.nl.ca/SocialHsingPlan/report.pdf.

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.

Contact Information:

Ed Moriarity
Director of Communications
Department of Transportation and Works
709-729-3015 or 709-699-5668
edmoriarity@gov.nl.ca

Katherine LeBlanc
Consultant, Communications & Marketing
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
902-426-6581
krleblan@cmhc.ca

Jenny Bowring
Communications Manager
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
709-724-3055
jmbowring@nlhc.nl.ca

Marian Ngo
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Finley
819-994-2482