Province Partners on Affordable Housing in Antigonish

Investments from three levels of government mean there will soon be more safe, affordable and accessible places to live in Antigonish.

"The Antigonish Affordable Housing Society has built a reputation for creating vibrant, accessible and affordable communities where individuals, seniors and families want to live and call their home,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson, MLA for Antigonish, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “Breaking ground on the second phase of Appleseed Court shows what we can accomplish when all levels of government and our community partners work together to increase housing in Nova Scotia.”

The society’s new development at 19 Appleseed Dr., adjacent to the first phase of Appleseed Court, will feature three buildings with a total of 17 affordable units, including four barrier-free units. The location is close to supermarkets, schools and other amenities. Residents will also have access to a community navigator provided by the society.

Construction is slated to begin immediately with completion in late 2025.

The Province’s contribution included the land for the project through the Land for Housing Program. Since the program launched in 2022, 11 proposals have been approved, unlocking the potential to create up to 1,000 units, including more than 430 affordable units. More affordable units are expected to be announced soon.

Quotes:

“Today’s announcement demonstrates how the federal government is working with partners from all levels of government and non-profit organizations to create much needed affordable housing in Antigonish. We will keep investing in affordable housing projects like the one announced today, and working with partners across the country, to end the housing crisis.”
— Sean Fraser, federal Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

“Today's announcement is a significant step forward in our commitment to ensuring safe, affordable housing for Antigonish residents. The new homes at Appleseed Drive will provide seniors, families, and people with disabilities a secure and welcoming place to live, right in the heart of our community. By working together, we are not only creating housing but also building a stronger, more inclusive Antigonish, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Access to affordable housing is fundamental to the well-being of our community, and this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”
— Laurie Boucher, Mayor, Town of Antigonish

“We are thrilled to hear of the provincial and federal funding contributions totaling more than $5 million towards the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society’s Appleseed II Development. The addition of these affordable housing units to our community will help stabilize the housing market and provide much needed housing to those in need.”
— Owen McCarron, Warden, Municipality of the County of Antigonish

“Support from all levels of government and our local community makes it possible for us to advance our goal of providing affordable housing that is socially, financially and environmentally sustainable. We are thankful and excited to construct another 17 homes to enrich our Appleseed community.”
— Colleen Cameron, Chair, Antigonish Affordable Housing Society

Quick Facts:

• total cost for the project is more than $5.8 million, with the Province contributing $2.72 million in forgivable funding through the Affordable Housing Development program and the Government of Canada providing more than $2.64 million in forgivable funding and loans
• both the town and Municipality of the County of Antigonish will provide grants to assist with construction and operating costs; additional funding is being provided by community members, local businesses, the Sisters of St. Martha and the Community Housing Growth Fund
• this will be the fourth affordable housing project the society has developed in partnership with the Province, including two projects in Riverside Estates and Appleseed Court, Phase 1
• the four projects have a total of 43 affordable units
• community housing organizations and private developers can apply for forgivable loans from Nova Scotia’s Affordable Housing Development Program to help fund the construction of new housing or the conversion of non-residential buildings

Additional Resources:

News release – More Land for Housing Projects Approved: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/06/19/more-land-housing-projects-approved

Nova Scotia housing programs and services: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs-and-services

The Province’s five-year housing plan – Our Homes, Action for Housing: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/docs/strategic-plan-action-for-housing.pdf

Government of Canada Housing Initiatives: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html

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