اخبار العرب-كندا 24: الاثنين 8 يناير 2024 06:04 مساءً
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has opened eight new affordable units in the Pleasantville area. This unit, along with the others, are ready to move into, with plans to build another 32 units on Janeway Place in the works. (Danny Arsenault/CBC)
The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation has opened eight new affordable housing units in the Pleasantville area, with plans to expand that to more than 40 units in the next two years.
The newly opened units, located on Janeway Place, are the first of 40 proposed units that will open in the next two years in the area, according to provincial Housing Minister Paul Pike.
Four of the eight units are fully accessible, Pike said, and four are reserved for women and their children.
"These eight units aren't just a roof over their heads, they are a home. A place where these individuals can live independently with safety and security," Pike said Monday.
Construction of the other 32 units is expected to begin in March, Pike said, with a completion target of 2026.
"A lot of plans are underway to build as many homes as we can in the city and throughout the province," he said.
"We have a lot of things that will be coming forward in the next little while, but housing is something that we're focusing on and that we're moving as fast as we can."
There are about 2,900 people on the wait-list for affordable units from the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, Pike said.
Housing Minister Paul Pike said he's excited to see the eight units opened, because they'll help individuals and families have a safe and secure place to live. (Danny Arsenault/CBC)
Funding for the units was obtained through a federal rapid housing initiative and a $730,000 contribution from the province. The units cost about $1.8 million to construct, according to Pike.
St. John's East MP Joanne Thompson said Monday a lot of community work came together to make the project happen, and the units will offer a new beginning to their tenants.
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"Janeway Place offers Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are at risk of homelessness, or who may struggle with mental health or addiction issues, a safe place to call home," Thompson said.
"Housing is a national concern, but we are making progress. And we will continue to make progress by working together."
St. John's Mayor Danny Breen said the announcement is a step forward in the work to expand affordable housing options in the city.
Doug Pawson, the executive director of End Homelessness St. John's, said any news about more available housing units is good news.
"Announcements where housing is being completed is always a good sign," he said. Eight more individuals and families having access to affordable housing is a "great first step forward," he added.
Pike said plans are in development for more units across Newfoundland and Labrador.
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