200 New, Affordable Rental Units Announced For Nova Scotia

COMMUNITY SERVICES--200 New, Affordable Rental Units Announced for Nova Scotia

Nova Scotians will soon have access to more affordable rental housing. Community Services Minister David Morse and Geoff Regan, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, announced today, March 19, that 200 units of new, affordable rental housing will soon be constructed under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Agreement.

A provincewide request for proposals under the New Rental Housing Program will be issued on Wednesday, March 24, inviting community-based organizations and developers to submit proposals for the development of new affordable rental housing for singles, families, seniors and people with disabilities.

"This program will help ensure that low-income Nova Scotians have access to affordable rental housing in areas that need it most," said Mr. Morse. "We look forward to working with municipalities and other community partners to increase the quantity and quality of affordable housing in Nova Scotia."

"Vital, healthy communities are a priority of the government of Canada and by creating new rental housing for low-income Canadians, we are helping those in need," said Mr. Regan. "This partnership investment in Nova Scotia ensures much needed new affordable housing units. I encourage community groups, municipalities and the private sector to come forward with new proposals and resources."

This is the second announcement under the New Rental Housing Program and the fourth announcement under the affordable housing agreement. The first project was a 15-unit townhouse complex in the Annapolis Valley completed last fall. It was followed by the construction of six semi-detached homes in Halifax under the New Home Ownership Program and extensive repairs to more than 30 homes across the province under the Home Preservation Program. An announcement under the fourth program, Rental Preservation, is expected shortly.

It is expected that up to 1,500 affordable housing units will be created or renovated under the $37.3-million Affordable Housing agreement by 2007. The government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, will contribute $18.6 million. These funds will be matched by the province and other housing partners as part of a larger strategy to provide a range of housing options for Nova Scotians.

The request for proposals will be available through the Public Tenders Office at 6176 Young St., Halifax or by calling 902-424- 3333.