New Affordable Housing for Valley Residents
Community Services Minister Peter Christie and Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of David Collenette, Minister of Transport and Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, announced a new $1.3-million affordable housing development for low-to-moderate income families in the Annapolis Valley today, Nov. 15.
The announcement of the Middleton Non-Profit Housing Development, the first project to be funded under the new Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement, was made at a sod-turning ceremony. Middleton Mayor Calvin Eddy also participated in the ceremony.
The government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, and the province of Nova Scotia and its housing partners will each contribute $18.63-million under the agreement over the next five years to create or renovate up to 1,500 affordable housing units in Nova Scotia. The province has partnered with the town, which has agreed to provide the road and services to the property.
"The Nova Scotia government is committed to developing affordable housing as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for Nova Scotians," said Mr. Christie. "This development is the result of a strong commitment by all partners to address an identified need for affordable housing in the Annapolis Valley. We were pleased to partner with the Town of Middleton on this project and look forward to working with the federal government and other housing partners to address identified needs for affordable housing in other areas of the province."
"This project demonstrates how the government of Canada is working on many levels to bring more affordable housing to this community and across Canada," said Mr. Thibault. "Our shared success is achieved through effective partnerships with provinces, municipalities, community-based groups and the private sector."
Construction on the housing development will begin immediately. Located on Bridge Street in Middleton, it will contain two three- bedroom units and 13 two-bedroom units, including four that will be wheelchair-accessible. The federal government is contributing $375,000 to the development and the province is providing the balance of funding in partnership with the town.
The development will also include a new office complex, which will be funded by the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation. This complex will house the regional office of the Department of Community Services and other government tenants. The anticipated completion date for the office complex is the end of March, with the apartments being completed shortly after. Plans for development of the remaining land have not yet been determined.