Province Improves Access to Housing

Published by Department of Community Services

Monday, May 6, 2013

More Nova Scotians will find affordable housing that meets their needs as part of the province's first long-term housing strategy. Premier Darrell Dexter and Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse unveiled the strategy today, May 6, during a visit to the North Woodside Community Centre in Dartmouth.

Quotes

Our homes, and the communities they are part of, shape nearly every aspect of our lives -- health, education, success in the workplace, even the security of our retirement and dignity in old age. Yet many working families cannot afford rent, let alone a mortgage, and many seniors and people with disabilities lack good housing options. Premier Darrell Dexter

Our strategy will build vibrant communities, revitalize existing neighbourhoods, and offer affordable new housing choices to Nova Scotia families. Premier Darrell Dexter

Few things are as important as having a good, affordable home that meets a person's unique needs. Through collaboration, we have developed a strategy that sets out a new direction for housing -- one that stresses affordability, partnership and community-building. The right housing choices can mean safer, more sustainable, and more vibrant communities. Denise Peterson-Rafuse, Minister of Community Services

Shelter Nova Scotia is pleased to see a collaborative strategy that espouses a housing first model. We have seen first-hand the benefits this model has had on the men and women we serve. Don Spicer, executive director of Shelter Nova Scotia

It is a challenge but we must build more housing that people can afford. We must not continue to equate big with better when we discuss housing options. This strategy is a bold and innovative roadmap in that direction. Paul Pettipas, president of the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association

I am so grateful to own a home that my children grew up in. I believe this is something we all wish for. It is because of the work that community and private organizations do that I was able to own my own home while my children were young enough to live there. Programs that give more Nova Scotians a chance at affordable home ownership or rent is good news. Karen Cole, a single mother who purchased her home through Habitat for Humanity

Quick Facts

  • The strategy represents a fundamental shift in the province's approach to affordable housing.
  • Over the next 10 years, the development of affordable housing and affordable home ownership will substantially increase and will focus on diverse communities with different housing and tenure types, income levels and family composition.
  • $500 million over 10 years will go towards supporting new and enhanced affordable housing projects and programs.
  • The strategy was built on themes that emerged from provincewide public consultations held in 2012 with more than 500 Nova Scotians, including non-profit and community organizations engaged in housing issues, housing developers, governments, and interested Nova Scotians.
  • The strategy will restructure the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation and all housing staff in Community Services as Housing Nova Scotia.
  • Among the programs that Housing Nova Scotia is considering are down payment assistance, lease-to-own opportunities, a graduate home ownership program, and retrofit programs

Learn More

Media Contact

Elizabeth MacDonald
Community Services
902-424-4844
E-mail:

Images

More Nova Scotians will find affordable housing that meets their needs as part of the province's first long-term housing strategy.
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Paul Pettipas, president of the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association, speaks to participants. He says the strategy is a bold and innovative road map in that direction.
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Karen Cole, a single mother who purchased her home through Habitat for Humanity, speaks about the importance of home ownership for her family.
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Premier Darrell Dexter speaks at the strategy announcement during a visit to the North Woodside Community Centre in Dartmouth.
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Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse unveiled the strategy at the North Woodside Community Centre in Dartmouth.
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Premier Darrell Dexter speaks to Students Nova Scotia representatives Brian Foster (left) and executive director John Williams (centre).
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Videos

Housing Strategy Announcement
Premier Darrell Dexter
Don Spicer - Halifax Regional Police Public Relations for Superintendent
Paul Pettipas, President of the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association
What does Home mean to you?

Audio

Premier Darrell Dexter says the strategy will create affordable ownership opportunities, with unique programs.
Premier Dexter says the strategy is straightforward,but ambitious.
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation and housing staff in Community Services will be restructured as Housing Nova Scotia.
Don Spicer, executive director of Shelter Nova Scotia says home is a place like no other, and more people should get to feel that way because of today’s announcement.
Claudia Jahn, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia says the road map is now here.
Paul Pettipas, president of the Nova Scotia Home Builders' Association says they look at ways to adapt and change to build houses people can afford.
Karen Cole, a single mother who purchased her home through Habitat for Humanity says the programs can be the crucial first step in changing the lives of many families.