New Minas Gets Affordable Rental Housing Project

COMMUNITY SERVICES--New Minas Gets Affordable Rental Housing Project

Residents of New Minas will soon have access to more affordable rental housing with the approval of a $1.78 million, 24-unit project under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.

The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia made the announcement today, Sept. 22.

"The government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for those Canadians who need it most," said Scott Brison, federal Minister of Public Works and Government Services on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "We are pleased to be making this investment in New Minas to create access to safe, affordable housing units. Together with our partners, we are helping to build healthy, sustainable communities across the province."

"This project is going to be of tremendous benefit to the community," said Nova Scotia Community Services Minister David Morse, "because it addresses an identified need for affordable rental housing for seniors in the area."

The project, to be located on Prospect Street in New Minas, will receive funding from both levels of government and the developer. The government of Canada is providing $600,000 in up-front capital, the province is providing $375,000 in rent supplement funding, and Asset Management Ltd. is providing $95,325 in cash and land valued at $171,000.

The project is one of four announced today by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia. Other projects include 24 units for singles, families and seniors in Debert, 16 units for seniors in Chester and 4 units for persons with disabilities in Westville. To date, a total of 83 new rental units totalling $6.5 million have been announced for the province.

It is expected that 850 to 1,500 affordable housing units will be created or renovated under the $37.3-million Affordable Housing agreement by 2007.