Turning Sod on Gottingen Street

Construction of a 19-unit apartment building for people on low- incomes officially began today at a sod-turning ceremony in Halifax.

The complex -- at the corner of Gottingen and Gerrish streets -- is being built by Creighton/Gerrish Development Association with help from the Department of Housing and Municipal Affairs. The development association is a collection of four non-profit groups.

"We're really excited to get moving on this," said Grant Wanzel, chair of the development association. "This building is going to make a huge difference to the lives of the people who live here and to the entire neighbourhood."

The complex will hold 18 self-contained studio apartments, a one- bedroom apartment for the building's supervisor, a lounge, laundry room, garden and parking space. The building will also provide space for the association's Housing Support Centre.

"There's a real need for this type of safe, affordable housing," said Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. "I hope this project will be a catalyst for other community-led initiatives throughout the province."

The department is providing up to $160,000 and a mortgage guarantee to the $1-million project, which enables the association to borrow money at a lower interest rate.

The four groups in the association are the Metro Non-Profit Housing Association, the Black Community Work Group, Harbour City Homes and the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia.

The Metro Non-Profit Housing Association, which will manage the building, has been operating housing projects in Halifax since the 1980s. It also runs a housing support service in the area for people who are unable to find adequate, affordable housing.

"We've been involving potential tenants in this project and in our own planning sessions and meetings with architects since the beginning," said Carol Charlebois, executive director of Metro Non-Profit Housing Association. "That's the best way to ensure their needs are met."

The building is expected to be completed by summer's end. It is the first in a series of affordable-housing projects to be built by the development association. Other projects include six semi- detached, three-bedroom houses and two 20-unit condominiums. The association is also planning to build a multi-purpose centre for the Black Community Work Group.