More Affordable Housing for Families Within Reach

Published by the Premier's Office

Thursday, August 30, 2013

More Nova Scotians will be able to find housing that's right for them, at a price they can afford, with the launch of Housing Nova Scotia. Premier Darrell Dexter introduced the new agency at the site of its first project, the redevelopment of the former Bloomfield school and community centre.

Quotes

“ Nova Scotians deserve affordable housing options which provide a strong foundation for their families to grow. Today the province takes a step closer to making life better for families and creating more vibrant and affordable communities with the launch of Housing Nova Scotia. ” Premier Darrell Dexter

“ The success of projects like this will attract young people to stay, newcomers to put down roots here and help establish businesses that meet a growing community's needs. This is about enabling people, communities and organizations to move forward into a future they own, and are proud to pass on to their children and grandchildren. ” Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald, on behalf of Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse.

“ Through creative endeavors like Bloomfield, the municipality, the province, and grassroots partners are demonstrating that affordable housing is an important part of well-planned communities. ” Mike Savage, Mayor of Halifax Regional Municipality.

“ Imagine Bloomfield is excited to finally launch the next stages of the Bloomfield redevelopment. We have worked for the past 10 years towards a community-lead vision for Bloomfield, and we hope that this type of partnership with a developer leads to a new way of doing things in Nova Scotia. It is an exciting time of change. ” Susanna Fuller, Imagine Bloomfield co-chair

Quick Facts

• The provincial agency, formerly the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corporation, will reinvest profits into creating affordable housing and related programs. For example, it will develop some housing to sell or rent at market rates, and use profits to lower rent and costs for other Nova Scotians.
• Housing Nova Scotia's goal is simple and ambitious, to ensure all Nova Scotians and their families can find housing right for them that they can afford, in a healthy community that offers the services, supports and opportunities they need.
• Officials and members of the community were on hand to celebrate finalizing the contract to develop the north end Halifax Bloomfield property.
• The development will offer more than 400 homes, ranging from townhouses to mid-rises, for people and families from mixed incomes and backgrounds. It will also have community and cultural space.
• Housing Nova Scotia and Imagine Bloomfield have been working for a number of months on a process that will ask people to share input on the design of the development and community space. It will begin this fall.
• Housing Nova Scotia was announced as part of the province's long-term housing strategy in May. It will develop a series of innovative programs to help people find affordable housing that meets their needs.

Learn More

• Housing Nova Scotia
• Premier's Office
• Community Services
• Imagine Bloomfield

Media Contacts

Lucas Wide

Premier's Office

Cell: 902-471-4234

E-mail: widela@gov.ns.ca

Krista Higdon

Phone: 902-424-8860

E-mail: higdonkd@gov.ns.ca