More money for more homes: Federal government, N.L. announce $44M in construction funding
The latest in a string of funding announcements made by Newfoundland and Labrador's provincial government since January took place at a construction site in Clarke's Beach on Monday.
A $44-million commitment was made between the provincial and federal government's to help build over 280 new homes in the province.
The location of the announcement is the where six affordable rental units will be built, using $300,000 from the province's Affordable Housing Fund.
That fund provides money through low-interest and forgivable loans or contributions to partner organizations.
"A lot of these units that you see here will probably be for seniors," said Avalon MP Ken McDonald, who isn't seeking re-election federally but is "leaning toward running provincially."
But Monday's announcement includes 26 projects total. The province previously contributed 17.9 million. On Monday, the federal government added $26 million.
McDonald said as the population ages, more homes will become available for rent or redevelopment to accommodate cheaper apartments for those struggling to find a place to live.
Avalon MP Ken McDonald and Harbour Grace-Port de Grave MHA Pam Parsons announced the funding on behalf of the federal and provincial governments, adding that McDonald is "leaning toward running provincially" in the upcoming election.
Area MHA Pam Parsons told reporters two more projects are already being planned for Bay Roberts.
"We'll see a significant number of homes as well," she said. "It's good news all around."
Access to housing is a problem in the province. Emergency shelters like the Salvation Army's Wiseman Centre and The Gathering Place in St. John's are constantly at capacity.
Kim Grant, associate executive director of The Gathering Place, said their shelter has 40 beds, but they hope to have more with the opening of 53 transitional and supportive housing rooms within the next two months.
Pam Goodyear at the Salvation Army shelter in St. John's says the shelter's 21 beds fill up every night, but it needs more money to keep up with demand.
The units announced by the government on Monday are projected to cost between $665 and $880 a month.
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