Province Approves Four New, Affordable Rental Housing Projects

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Province Approves Four New, Affordable Rental Housing Projects

Nova Scotians will soon have access to more affordable rental housing with the approval of four new projects under the New Rental Program of the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.

Geoff Regan, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, and David Morse, Nova Scotia Minister of Community Services, announced today, Sept. 22, the commitment of $5.2 million for the construction of 68 units of new affordable rental housing in the province.

"Quality, affordable housing is what the partnership between the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia aim to produce because of our shared vision for the people of this province," said Mr. Regan. "Housing projects such as these are contributions to the provincial vitality and to the sustainable development of the communities of Nova Scotia."

"These are the first projects to be approved from the submissions received in response to the request for proposals issued in the spring," said Mr. Morse. "There are a number of other excellent proposals being considered and we hope to make further announcements in the coming weeks and months."

The approved projects include 24 units for singles, families and seniors in Debert, 24 units for seniors in New Minas, 16 units for seniors in Chester and four units for persons with disabilities in Westville. These projects -- combined with the 15-unit townhouse complex constructed in the Annapolis Valley -- represent a total commitment of $6.5 million for 83 units under the New Rental Housing program to date.

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. The government of Canada, through Canada Mortgage 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.