Households To Receive Extensive Repairs

Another 88 low-income households in Nova Scotia will receive assistance to make extensive repairs to their homes under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.

Joe Fontana, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and David Morse, Nova Scotia's Minister of Community Services, announced today, Sept. 17, the investment of $2.4 million to bring 88 older homes in the province up to current health and safety standards. This is in addition to the $1 million spent to make extensive repairs to 26 older homes earlier this year.

"This partnership between the government of Canada and the government of Nova Scotia exemplifies what can be accomplished when we work together," said Mr. Fontana. "Renovating existing buildings is an innovative and sustainable way to address housing needs and improve quality of housing."

"This program will help address the health and safety needs of low-income households by ensuring their homes meet current standards," said Mr. Morse. "It will also provide an improved quality of life by creating a healthy, safe and comfortable living environment."

The Home Preservation Program is an important component of the bi-lateral affordable housing agreement because Nova Scotia has one of the highest rates of home ownership in the country, but some of the oldest homes. This latest announcement brings the total investment for home preservation in the province to $3.4 million.

To date, the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia have committed a total of $4.94 million to create or renovate 135 units under the affordable housing program. This includes extensive renovations to 114 homes throughout the province and the creation of 15 new rental units in the Annapolis Valley and six semi-detached homes in Halifax. In addition, project approvals for up to 200 new rental units under the recent request for proposals are expected to be announced beginning this month.

By 2007, 850 to 1,500 affordable housing units will be created or renovated under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement. The government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia (along with its housing partners) will each contribute $18.63 million under the agreement for a total investment of $37.3 million.

Information on the Home Preservation Program and the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement is available at local housing services offices.