As part of the new government’s commitment to aggressively repair and replace damaged or uninhabitable homes, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has issued a Request for Proposals to build four new apartments on Empire Avenue.
These new homes will replace four homes that were destroyed in a fire in July 2024. This project is jointly funded by the Federal Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of the Canada Community Housing Initiative, which is part of the broader National Housing Strategy, a multi-year $115 billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home.
In order to meet the area of greatest demand, these four apartments will be smaller, one-bedroom homes, each approximately 450 square feet. Residents will benefit from lower energy costs due to the building’s energy-efficient construction and smaller building footprint.
A nearby building that was damaged in the same fire is undergoing repairs, and those four units will be ready for occupancy this spring.
This RFP is open until April 24, 2026, with the project award anticipated in May.
Quotes
“Our government has committed to repair and replace damaged and destroyed NLHC homes, and this project shows how we can work with our federal counterparts to help make it happen. A secure and safe home increases a person’s safety and contributes to our community’s well-being, and these four units will allow residents the opportunity to form meaningful connections in a healthy environment.”
Honourable Joedy Wall
Minister of Housing
Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being
“Our Government is proud to support this initiative, part of our ongoing efforts to build strong, affordable communities across Newfoundland and Labrador. These new housing units will make a real impact on lives in St. John’s, and it’s another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”
The Honourable Joanne Thompson
Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East
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Request For Proposals, New Residential Build – St. John’s, Nl – 25TS007 | MERX
Quicks facts:
- The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
- As of December 2025, the federal government has committed $76.13 billion to support the creation of over 195,800 units and the repair of over 359,400 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence.
- NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.