Estimated 80 people live on Labrador town’s trail system, up from 20-25 in 2017.
A Labrador community in desperate need of housing solutions for a growing transient population got its first look this week at a proposed multimillion-dollar facility that advocates hope will begin construction in the spring.
Last Friday, the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation announced it would be holding information sessions this week about the proposed facility, which has not been formally confirmed by the provincial government, for Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
The town has been dealing with a growing transient population, with many living in the wooded trails. The town estimates 80 people live on the trails, up from 20-25 in 2017.
According to N.L. Housing’s data, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, despite representing about 1.6 per cent of N.L.’s population is home to about 21 per cent of the province’s shelter users.
The NLHC said service groups in town also report that 90 per cent of shelter guests self-identify as Indigenous. Abbott said he hopes the facility can be built soon to address the demand.
The proposed facility would be two floors in a U-shape with 30 shelter beds, 20 one-room apartments, 20 one-bedroom supportive housing units, laundry, washrooms, showers, a commercial kitchen, cultural space, elder support, clinic space, a common room, and a multipurpose space.
But the design and the cost has not been finalized. Abbott said the province is still working with the architect and engineers about the size and amenities that will be offered.
Story courtesy of CBC News.