Bridgewater Residents Get New Affordable Rental Housing

People living in Bridgewater will have access to more affordable rental housing thanks to a $1.63-million, 25-unit development approved under the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement.

Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Minister of Human Resources, on behalf of David Morse, Minister of Community Services, and Robert Thibault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, on behalf of Joe Fontana, Minister of Labour and Housing, made the announcement today, Nov. 25.

"Affordable housing ensures people have a home, that families are safe and secure and that our communities are strong, healthy and diverse," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "The creation of this safe, affordable, and sustainable housing is essential to addressing that need in Bridgewater."

"Thanks to the co-operative efforts of the various levels of government this greatly needed project has 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 project involves the renovation of a three-storey, formerly commercial, building on Pleasant Street and will provide 25 units of affordable rental housing for small families and singles. It will include three barrier-free units that reduce obstacles for people with physical disabilities or reduced mobility.

This development will receive $500,000 in up-front capital funding from the federal government. The province will commit $225,000 in rent supplement funding. The developer will provide 27 per cent of the total development cost. The development is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2006.

To date, more than $27 million has been announced by the government of Canada, and the province of Nova Scotia and its partners for the construction or renovation of almost 625 units in the province. A total of $56.18 million will be available under the 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 .