Liverpool Residents Get New Affordable Rental Housing
Families, seniors, and persons with disabilities in the Region of Queens Municipality will have access to new, affordable rental housing thanks to developments valued at $2.1 million approved under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.
David Morse, Minister of Community Services, and Robert Thibault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of Joe Fontana, federal Minister of Labour and Housing, announced today, Nov. 8, that 30 units will be created in two developments -- both in Liverpool.
"We are addressing an identified need for more affordable housing for people living in the Region of Queens Municipality," said Mr. Morse. "The creation of safe, affordable, and sustainable housing is essential to the continued health and well-being of this community, which is why we are so pleased to be making this announcement today."
"Thanks to the co-operative efforts between the various levels of government, including the Region of Queens Municipality, these greatly needed projects have become a reality," said Mr. Thibault. "Shelter is one of the foundations upon which healthy communities and individual dignity are built, and the government of Canada is committed to helping local organizations develop housing solutions that meet the needs of their community."
The first project involves the construction of three new buildings on Main Street in Liverpool and will provide a total of 24 units of affordable rental housing for small families, non-elderly singles and seniors. They include three barrier-free units and nine visitable units. Visitable units incorporate design features that reduce barriers to people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility.
The province will commit $238,114 in rent supplement funding. The development will receive $600,000 in up-front capital funding from the federal government. Parsons Investments Ltd. will provide 20 per cent of the total development cost. The development is scheduled to be completed in three phases from spring 2006 to spring 2007.
The second development will be located at 270 Main St. in Liverpool. The second floor of the existing two-storey building will be converted into six units of affordable rental housing for small families, non-elderly singles and couples. It is scheduled to be completed in fall 2005.
The province will commit $78,000 in rent supplement funding for this development. The government of Canada is providing $138,000 in up-front capital funding. Anthony Properties will provide at least 20 per cent of the total development cost.
To date, more than $25 million has been announced by the government of Canada and the province of Nova Scotia and its partners for the construction or renovation of more than 575 units in the province. A total of $56.18 million will be invested under Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.
Information on the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement is available at local housing services offices or on the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms .