Affordable Housing Program Moving Into High Gear

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Affordable Housing Program Moving Into High Gear

Low-to-moderate income earners in Nova Scotia will soon have more affordable housing options thanks to several new projects planned under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement this fall.

"We expect a lot of activity from the program this fall, beginning with the announcement of a Metro-based affordable housing project in the coming weeks," said David Morse, Minister of Community Services.

Mr. Morse explains the department has been working in consultation with community agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector over the past year to identify areas of need across the province and develop criteria for the program.

"Nova Scotia has a unique housing profile and we want to ensure the program addresses our needs and benefits as many individuals and families as possible," said Mr. Morse. "The result is a made- in-Nova Scotia program that will create or renovate a significant amount of affordable housing in our province."

The minister said that the first project under the Affordable Housing agreement is an example of the housing that will be created or renovated. The newly constructed 15-unit apartment complex in the Annapolis Valley opened its first five units in August and the remainder will be ready for occupancy in November.

"This is just the beginning," said Mr. Morse. "We want to create other new rental housing projects in areas of need throughout the province and will be issuing a proposal call to gauge interest from potential developers. We're moving the program into high gear and look forward to working with our community partners to strengthen the affordable housing supply in Nova Scotia."

The five-year, $37.26 million Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement, signed between the province and the federal government last fall, is an important first step in addressing the need for affordable housing in the province.