Province Supports Rapid Housing Project in New Glasgow

Investments from three levels of government mean there will soon be 36 more safe, affordable places to live in New Glasgow.

The new affordable housing units, called Coady’s Place, will be maintained by the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.

“We know addressing the housing crisis requires community partners and all levels of government to come together. It’s initiatives like Coady’s Place that make a real difference in our communities and provide a sense of security,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We will continue to do everything we can to make sure Nova Scotians have a place to call home.”

Under the federal government’s Rapid Housing Initiative, the Province is providing $3 million for operating support and to help ensure affordability. The federal government is contributing $2 million and the Town of New Glasgow is providing a property-tax exemption for the next 20 years.

Quotes:

“Our government wants to ensure that everyone in Canada has a safe and affordable place to call home. The Rapid Housing Initiative will go a long way to supporting those who need it most by quickly providing 36 new affordable housing units for individuals and families. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”

– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Today’s announcement is a strategic investment that will help address one of the core issues facing our community – affordable housing. I’m thrilled to announce a federal investment of over $2 million right here in Pictou County that will see 36 families gain access to safe, affordable housing through our government’s National Housing Strategy.”

– Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, and Member of Parliament for Central Nova

“Our council and staff understand the importance of safe, secure, affordable housing options for our citizens. The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council is a trusted organization and the Town of New Glasgow is proud to make an annual investment of a taxation exemption for the next 20 years so the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council can continue their good work in creating housing solutions in our community.”

– Nancy Dicks, Mayor, Town of New Glasgow

“We are thrilled to have brought Coady’s Place to life in New Glasgow. Since acquiring the facility in February, we have expanded the facility and renovated every unit. We will have ‘heads on pillows’ in all 36 units by July 1. What a wonderful way to celebrate Canada Day! While the project is uplifting for the team and the community, it is also heart-wrenching that there is so much need. We have 82 applications for 36 units. Demand far exceeds our supply, which is why we are committed to a phase two, which will see an additional 20 duplex style, two- and three-bedroom homes developed on the land owned by Coady’s Place.”

– Dianne Kelderman, President and CEO, Nova Scotia Co-operative Council

Quick Facts:

• the Rapid Housing Initiative is a $2.5 billion program to help address urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians, especially in the context of COVID-19, through the rapid construction of over 10,000 units of affordable housing
• in April 2022, the Province announced $2.5 million to create a new Community Housing Growth Fund to help co-ops and non-profit housing providers build capacity and expand non-market housing supply

Additional Resources:

Mandate letter of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-MAH-EMO-MR.pdf

Report and recommendations of the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/affordable-housing-report-spring-2021