As part of the heightened focus to improve access to affordable housing, the Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador visited Labrador West today, where he met with community leaders to discuss the many important housing initiatives underway in that region, along with the emergent housing needs.

Premier Furey was joined by the Honourable Paul Pike, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, and the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Labrador Affairs.

Budget 2023 includes the largest provincial housing investment in our history, with almost $140 million to provide Newfoundlanders and Labradorians access to safe and affordable housing. Over the last two years, more than 750 new housing options have been created or are underway throughout the province. Budget 2023 also announced a new, three-year, $70 million Affordable Rental Housing Program to build over 850 new rental homes, which was launched in June.

Through strong partnerships with federal and municipal governments and community partners, we remain committed to investing in housing initiatives in the Labrador West region. These include:

• Affordable housing options with 85 Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) homes located in Labrador City.
• Supporting the work for affordable housing options for seniors through project pre-development funding of $64,000. This funding is supporting the Labrador West Pioneers Inc. to advance planning for the development of an aging in place affordable housing option to meet the needs of seniors in the area. This model will serve as a pilot for similar housing developments for seniors throughout the province. The Provincial Government will continue to work with the federal and municipal governments and industry partners to leverage provincial funding in order to make the vision of the Pioneers a reality.
• Renovation and vacancy refurbishment of over 20 NLHC homes on Cavendish Crescent were recently completed through a $2 million investment. The significant improvements included exterior renovations and energy efficiency upgrades, as well as interior upgrades to vacant units, allowing new families to be welcomed to the neighbourhood.
• Opening of a staffed emergency response shelter in partnership with the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition. This partnership, supported through the use of an NLHC home and an annual investment of $71,000, creates a safe place for individuals experiencing homelessness and connection to supports to transition to more permanent housing options.
• Front-line supports for individuals experiencing, or at risk, of homelessness are provided by a Housing Support Worker, through a partnership between the NLHC and the Labrador West Housing and Homelessness Coalition with annual provincial funding of over $100,000.
• Short-term accommodations and supports for Women and Children fleeing intimate partner violence are available through Hope Haven Transition House, with annual provincial funding of over $700,000.
• Construction of a new seven-unit, second-stage housing project is underway through an investment of more than $4.8 million that will expand safe and affordable housing options and help reduce barriers for women and children experiencing or at risk of intimate partner violence.

Quotes
“Our government is firmly committed to addressing housing needs in Labrador West and helping to ensure that everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home. These initiatives are a great example of our strong partnership with federal, municipal and community partners. Together, we will continue our important work of building strong and resilient communities here in Labrador West.”
Honourable Dr. Andrew Furey
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

“A safe and affordable home is the cornerstone of social and economic growth and overall health and well-being. We look forward to continuing to work with our valued partners to create safe, affordable and inclusive communities in Labrador West, and to ensure supports for all residents, from young families to seniors. ”
Honourable Paul Pike
Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation

“Housing initiatives contribute directly to achieving progress on socio-economic goals and we know investment in housing is a driver of economic growth and community development. Our government is committed to partnering with all stakeholders to help make real progress on housing challenges in Labrador West.”
Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister for Labrador Affairs

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