The provincial government has awarded an $888,000 contract for a retrofit of subsidized housing units in the centre of St. John’s.
An eight-unit building on Hoyles Avenue is expected to be completely renovated by June 2010 by Kelloway Construction.
Tom Marshall, acting Minister of Transportation and Works and Minister Responsible for Housing, and Bob Ridgley, MHA for St. John’s North, made the announcement today.
 “This is a very significant investment and a necessary one that is in line with the Williams Government’s long-term vision for social housing,” said  Marshall. “This particular building is part of our aging housing portfolio that requires appropriate work to continue to meet the needs of low-income families and individuals.”
 The work will include the replacement of roofing, siding, windows and doors, and a complete retrofit of the interior, including the replacement of flooring, drywall, doors, kitchens and bathrooms. 
The federal and provincial governments recently announced a joint investment of $93 million to build new and renovate existing affordable housing throughout the province over the next two years. These upgrades and repairs are part of The Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation’s Modernization and Improvement program. Housing is undergoing a seven-year renewal process, updating many properties that have had no significant upgrades since they were built decades ago.
  The provincial government’s 2009 budget included an investment of $14.55 million for building and fixing up social housing throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.