Families and Mental Health Consumers Get Affordable Housing
COMMUNITY SERVICES--Families and Mental Health Consumers Get Affordable Housing
Low-income families and mental health consumers are among those who will soon have access to more affordable housing in Halifax Regional Municipality.
The government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia announced $5.2 million in funding for two projects, representing 82 new affordable rental units under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement today, April 1st.
"These projects are going to have a positive impact on the lives of many people," said Community Services Minister David Morse. "Mental health consumers will have more access to safe, quality housing that supports independent living and families will be able to access affordable housing in neighbourhoods that are close to services and schools."
"This project will create affordable housing units for those in need," said member of Parliament Michael Savage, on behalf of Joseph Fontana, federal Minister of Labour and Housing. "Together with our partners, we are helping more people access new homes and start new lives, while contributing to sustainable communities across the province."
The first project is a 10-unit development for mental health consumers that will be constructed in Dartmouth by the Affirmative Industry Association of Nova Scotia. The federal government will provide $250,000 in up-front capital funding, the province will provide $150,000 in funding and the developer will provide the balance through donations, in-kind services and mortgage financing. The three-storey building will contain a combination of one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which will be barrier-free.
"We're excited to begin construction of the new building," said Ken Greer, board member of the Affirmative Industry Association. "Mental health consumers often have difficulty accessing affordable housing and a secure home is a vital component of mental health recovery and stability. We're very pleased to partner with the federal and provincial governments on a project that builds greater independence for more members of the community."
The second project -- a 72-unit development on Millwood Drive in Lower Sackville -- will be undertaken by the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation. The project involves the construction of four, two-storey buildings containing affordable rental units for families, seniors and non-elderly singles. There will be a combination of one- and two-bedroom apartments, all of which will be barrier-free or accessible by persons with disabilities. The federal government will provide $2.4 million in up-front capital for the project and the province will provide $2.4 million for the land and rent supplement funding.
Construction on the two projects will begin this summer. They are expected to be completed and ready for occupancy in 2006.
To date, more than $19 million has been announced by the government of Canada, the province of Nova Scotia and others for the construction or renovation of close to 400 units in the province. With the signing of the second phase of the agreement last month, the total investment for affordable housing in Nova Scotia is now $56.18 million by 2008.