The City of Corner Brook needs more NL Housing units as it grapples with a backlog of people seeking safe and affordable housing.

Mayor Jim Parsons says there are only 12 new NL Housing builds allocated for all of western Newfoundland based on a recent announcement, which is not sufficient, especially given the fact that Corner Brook has lost units in recent years “and they have not been replaced, with anything.”

NL Housing has told them there is increased demand with the backlog of eligible people growing by 1/3 over last year. “I think we need to get some more movement on, you know, purpose built NL Housing.”

Independent MHA Eddie Joyce this week raised the housing crunch in the region in the House of Assembly. He claims government is sitting on dozens of units which could be made available in a relatively short time.

Parsons says there are currently about 30 people in the west coast city being housed in hotel rooms.

He’s been told that the people being put up in hotels are split about half and half between those who require greater supports for mental health and addictions, and half who are simply waiting for an available housing unit.