Today, the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and Yvonne Jones, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Amhed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, His Worship George Andrews, Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Perry Trimper, MHA for Lake Melville, announced $5 million in funding for Happy Valley-Goose Bay, one of the 41 recipients of the third round of the Rapid Housing Initiative’s city stream.
As part of its investment plan for the Cities Stream, the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay has partnered with Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) for the construction of 16 new affordable housing units. These units will be owned and operated by NLHC. Clients will come from NLHC’s existing prioritized waitlist, and rents will be geared-to-income at 25 per cent of net income. NLHC will provide funding for the on-going operations, as well as annual heating subsidies to tenants.
This is made possible by the Government of Canada’s additional investment of $1.5 billion through the Rapid Housing Initiative, bringing the program’s total to $4 billion to support the country’s most vulnerable. The additional funding for the third round of the initiative will be divided into two streams: $1 billion through the Projects Stream and $500 million towards the Cities Stream. This investment is expected to create at least 4,500 more affordable housing units for Canadians in severe housing need across the country, with 25 per cent of investments going towards women-focused housing projects.
The Rapid Housing Initiative takes a human rights-based approach to housing, serving people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and other vulnerable people under the National Housing Strategy, including women and children fleeing domestic violence, seniors, young adults, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people experiencing mental health and addiction issues, veterans, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, racialized groups and recent immigrants or refugees.
Quotes
“Today’s announcement truly highlights the strength of partnerships. By working collaboratively with our federal and municipal partners, we are increasing access to safe and affordable homes and helping individuals and families build a stable and secure future.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Through the Rapid Housing Initiative, we are quickly providing new affordable housing units for people who need them most, right across Canada, including right here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. By working closely with our partners to create more affordable housing that meets the needs of Canadians, the government is continuing to deliver meaningful results across the country. This is one of the many ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure no one is left behind.”
Honourable Ahmed Hussen
Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion
“The Government is investing in affordable housing here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. Thanks to the combined efforts of our partners, we are able to give a helping hand to individuals in need, and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community.”
Yvonne Jones
Member of Parliament for Labrador
“We are extremely pleased to be bringing 16 new affordable housing units to our community. This will go a long way to help address affordable housing concerns in our community.”
His Worship George Andrews
Mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay
“I commend the Federal Government and its partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay for the construction of new affordable housing units in the community. The units will help address the needs experienced by individuals who need a place that they can call their own.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister of Labrador Affairs
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation
“The housing needs in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are complex, and have been quite prevalent – requiring substantial investment to address, such as with the scale of this Rapid Housing Initiative. I am pleased to see the community recognized in this national program and compliment all those involved in this successful proposal.”
Perry Trimper
MHA for Lake Melville
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