Construction Begins on New Affordable Housing Development in Corner Brook

CORNER BROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR--(Marketwire - June 1, 2012) - The Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador today announced a combined investment of more than $1.3 million towards the construction of a senior's complex in Corner Brook. Parkview Apartments Inc. will provide 10 new affordable housing units for independent seniors.

"The Government of Canada is proud to contribute more than $649,000 in funding for this project," said the Honourable Peter Penashue, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and MP for Labrador on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). "These 10 new units will provide quality, affordable housing and benefit the economic and social well-being of the entire community."

Funding for this joint initiative was made possible through the 2009 extension of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Affordable Housing Agreement. The federal and provincial governments, overall, are contributing an investment of more than $11 million to these programs in the province.

"The Provincial Government has invested $664,000 in this initiative which will help address the need for affordable housing options for seniors in the City of Corner Brook," said the Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation. "This project is another example of the success we've been achieving by partnering with non-profit and private sector groups throughout the province to create affordable housing for seniors, single individuals, and persons with disabilities."

The complex is being developed and administered by Parkview Apartments Inc., a non-profit corporation set up by the congregation of First United Church in Corner Brook. The project involves renovating the existing church annex on Park Street, which used to contain a gymnasium, kitchen, meeting rooms and church offices, into nine two-bedroom units and one accessible single unit. The three-storey facility will contain common areas, general office space, meeting rooms, and accessible washrooms. An elevator will be installed to improve accessibility for tenants and the general public.

"We have been working on this project for over two years now and are very pleased now that construction begun" said Matt Churchill, volunteer President of Parkview Apartments Inc. "We would like to thank Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation for their generous support, as well as the City of Corner Brook, the United Church of Canada Foundation, and all other groups and individuals who have helped us along the way. We look forward to the opening of Parkview Apartments in the spring of 2013, and we are sure that it will be a great asset to the seniors of our area."

A key objective for the provincial government is to stimulate the development of affordable rental housing by the private, public and non-profit sectors. A priority is placed on developing rental housing for persons with disabilities, seniors and those who require supports to live independently in the community. This work is also in keeping with A Social Housing Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador - Secure Foundations, released by the provincial government in August 2009, which outlines a long-term vision for social housing. It is aimed at improving the housing circumstances of people with low incomes and helping create healthier communities.

The Government of Canada, through CMHC, will invest more than $2 billion in housing this year. Of this amount, $1.7 billion will be spent in support of almost 605,000 families and individuals living in existing social housing. In Newfoundland and Labrador, this represents some 12,250 households. These investments are improving the quality of life for low-income Canadians and households living in existing social housing, including individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness, seniors, persons with disabilities, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people.

To find out more about how the Government of Canada and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca.