Halifax Gets Affordable Rental Housing Project

COMMUNITY SERVICES--Halifax Gets Affordable Rental Housing Project

Residents of Halifax will soon have access to more affordable rental housing with the approval of a $5.6-million, 66-unit project under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.

The announcement was made today, Nov. 8, by the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia.

"The government of Canada is committed to supporting affordable housing for those Canadians who need it most," said Geoff Regan, federal Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing. "Thanks to the partnership between the various levels of government and our local partners, 66 households of Halifax will soon have access to new affordable housing, allowing them to build a better life and to contribute to their community."

"This project is going to be of tremendous benefit to the municipality of Halifax because it addresses an identified need for affordable rental housing for the growing senior population," said Nova Scotia Community Services Minister David Morse.

Rick Kelly, chief operating officer with Northwoodcare Incorporated, said he was happy to work with the federal and provincial governments on this project. "This project will enable us to build on our commitment to provide quality, affordable living for seniors," he said.

The housing unit will be located on Almon Street in Halifax. The federal government is providing $1.65 million in up-front capital, the province is contributing $792,000 in rent supplement funding, and Northwoodcare Incorporated is donating the land.

The new four-storey building will be a combination of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments. All units will have improved accessibility and the 15 units located on the ground floor will be barrier-free. The building will contain an elevator and underground parking. Construction on the project will begin in early December and is expected to be completed by November 2005.

To date $17.8 million in funding has been committed for the construction or renovation of 293 units in the province. It is expected that between 850 and 1,500 affordable housing units will be created or renovated under the $37.3-million Affordable Housing Agreement by 2007.