Released August 10, 2006

Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) has awarded GS Hunt Ltd. a $137,000 contract to modernize and improve non-profit housing buildings in the St. John’s West area. Paul Shelley, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment, and Minister Responsible for NLHC, and Sheila Osborne, MHA for St. John’s West, made the announcement today.

“Modernizing and maintaining NLHC’s 5,700 non-profit rental housing units throughout the province, is a major challenge and constant priority for the corporation. Upgrading its social housing properties is part of the corporation’s annual and long-term planning process to ensure its properties are safely maintained,” said Minister Shelley. “Renovations such as these go a long way to revitalizing community spirit as well as extending the physical life of the buildings.”

“I’m very happy to know this contract has been awarded and to see the work undertaken,” said area MHA Sheila Osborne. “It’s always good to see neighbourhood properties being upgraded; it contributes greatly to a more positive community feeling.

These exterior refurbishments include roof replacement, new vinyl siding, and window installation for a 10-unit building on Barachois Street, and a 10-unit building on Pasadena Crescent. Work is now underway on both properties and completion is anticipated by mid-September 2006.

For further information, please contact:

Jenny Bowring
Manager, Corporate Communications
Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation
(709) 724-3055
E-mail:  releases@nlhc.nf.ca