More Affordable Housing for Nova Scotians

More affordable housing is coming for hundreds of people and families living in Nova Scotia.

Today, March 17, Brian Comer, Minister responsible for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr, announced that the provincial and federal governments are investing a total of $16.6 million in 10 affordable housing projects across the province.

He was joined by Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion.

These projects will create 236 new rental units with more than half offered at rents at or below 80 per cent of the local market average.

“We are in a housing crisis, and we are taking concrete steps to create more supply to help Nova Scotians find safe and affordable housing,” said Brian Comer, Minister responsible for Addictions and Mental Health and MLA for Cape Breton East, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “Government will continue to work in partnership with the federal government, the private sector and non-profit providers to build more homes like these for Nova Scotians.”

The federal and provincial investments include:

• Stephen Jamael Property Rentals Inc, Sydney: $3.8 million for 36 units (2 projects)
• Future Growth Co-op Ltd., Sydney Mines: $3.9 million for 22 units
• Atlantic Edge Properties Inc., Guysborough - $1.35 million for 36 units
• Tata Holdings Inc., Tatamagouche: $1.2 million for 21 units
• Meech Holdings Ltd., Truro: $3 million for 56 units
• Six Point Star Homes Ltd., Amherst: $680,000 for eight units
• Innovare Properties and Developments Ltd., Alma, Pictou County: $1.25 million for 28 units
• S.W.H Construction Ltd.,Shelburne: $350,000 for five units
• Grand Multip Properties Inc., Barrington: $900,000 for 24 units

The Province is providing $9.1 million through the improved Affordable Housing Development Program. The Government of Canada is providing $7.5 million for these projects through the National Housing Co-Investment Fund and the Canada-Nova Scotia Bilateral Agreement under er the National Housing Strategy.

The projects are part of the improved Affordable Housing Development Program, through which the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing partners with private developers and community housing groups to encourage and help fund the construction of new affordable housing. Changes to the program include a reduction in the equity requirement for non-profit applicants from 20 per cent to five per cent, and a more streamlined process for developers. The program helps low to moderate income Nova Scotian households find housing at a price they can afford.

Quotes:

“Through investments in affordable housing, our government is providing assistance to those who need it most here in Cape Breton and in all corners of the country. We are committed to making communities stronger through projects like these. These investments help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy, while providing access to safe, affordable homes for Nova Scotia’s seniors, families and individuals, including Cape Bretoners.”

– Jaime Battiste, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion

“Future Growth Co-op Ltd. and New Deal Development Northside Ltd. would like to thank the federal and province governments for their support. We are a not-for-profit organization and affordable housing is a major issue in CBRM. We are pleased to announce the construction of a 22-unit seniors affordable complex being built at 224 Pitt Street in Sydney Mines, building on the success of our Phase 1 development. Without this funding from both levels of government, this project would not have been possible.”

– Clarence Dawe, President, Future Growth Co-op Ltd.

Quick Facts:

• this investment is part of over $150 million in housing investments by the Province in 2022-23, aimed at helping Nova Scotians in housing need
• the Province recently announced a total of $4 million for efficiency upgrades for 200 public housing units in Cape Breton
• $20 million was recently invested to support modular housing projects for healthcare and skilled workers living in communities that are in acute need of housing
• the National Housing Co-Investment Fund is a $13.2 billion program under the National Housing Strategy that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, veterans, and young adults
• Canada's National Housing Strategy is a 10-year, $82-plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home

Additional Resources:

News Release – More Funding to Increase Housing Options for Post-Secondary Students: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20221219004

News Release – Energy Upgrades for Cape Breton Public Housing: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20230215001

More information about the National Housing Strategy: www.placetocallhome.ca.