This release is being issued on behalf of the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation:
The Honourable Paul Pike, Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, is recognizing today (November 22) as National Housing Day.
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 and to advance community partnerships to meet the changing demands for housing.
In October, the Provincial Government announced a Five-Point Plan designed to increase the supply of housing that is affordable in Newfoundland and Labrador by helping stimulate private sector development and stabilize or reduce housing prices. Through these targeted actions, valued at more than $65 million, it is expected that upwards of 500 new housing options will be added to the market.
Actions from this plan are already underway. In November, government released an inventory of vacant provincial land in the St. John’s metro region that can be made available for the development of purpose-built rental housing that is affordable. That same month, a new First-time Homebuyers Program was launched to support transition to homeownership.
Additional actions taken to address the need for housing include:
- A provincial investment of over $80 million in the Affordable Rental Housing Program, which will support 91 private and community sector projects that will result in the construction of more than 900 new affordable rental homes;
- Continued work to support future construction of a new $30 million integrated health, housing, and supportive services hub in Happy Valley-Goose Bay;
- Issued a request for quotations for repairs and renovations to 143 provincially-owned vacant units, supported by an investment of close to $6 million;
- Expanded non-profit staffed shelters to support those experiencing homelessness, including ongoing funding of $2 million for the 40-bed staffed Safe Haven Shelter;
- Continued implementation of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Benefit, which has expanded access to affordable housing in the private rental market to over 420 new households; and
- Announced, advanced or completed affordable housing projects in Pleasantville, Gander, Labrador West, and Happy Valley-Goose Bay among others.
These collective actions reinforces the Provincial Government’s commitment to improving access to affordable housing for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
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“We recognize the importance of safe and affordable housing for the well-being of individuals and families. We are taking meaningful actions to address the changing housing needs being experienced nationally. Strong partnerships with our federal, municipal and Indigenous governments, along with community and private sector partners will remain important as we work together to deliver innovative housing solutions that allow individuals and families to live, work and thrive in the communities they call home.”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development
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Learn more
Provincial Government Launches Five-Point Plan to Improve Availability of Housing That is Affordable
Proposals Invited for Development of Land for Rental Housing That is Affordable
Provincial Government Announces Results of RFP for Affordable Rental Housing Program
Provincial Government Issues Request for Quotations for Repairs to Vacant Units
Minister Pike Highlights New Safe Haven Emergency Shelter
First-time Homebuyers Program (FHP) – 2023
Happy Valley-Goose Bay Integrated Health, Housing and Supportive Services Hub
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