Commission Gathering Public Comments on Affordable Housing

Finding and keeping an affordable home is a struggle for too many Nova Scotians, and no one person or plan will be able to address this complex situation. That is why the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission wants to hear from people and organizations across the province that want to help.

Anyone who wants to keep up-to-date with the commission’s work, or contribute ideas and stories is asked to visit https://nsaffordablehousingcommission.ca/ . The commission officially launched the site today, Jan. 25, and will be accepting comments, as well as posting information about the group’s work on it.

“The commission’s work is an essential part of how we will set a new direction for affordable housing in Nova Scotia,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter. “The information the commission receives provides important data that will form the foundation of the group’s recommendations to government. I encourage everyone to provide their opinions and views.”

Comments will also be accepted by calling 1-833-743-0777 or emailing affordablehousingcommission@novascotia.ca .

The commission was created to engage with experts and stakeholders across the province to learn more about the current state of affordable housing and find sustainable, long-term solutions that build on the commitments made by the province under the National Housing Strategy.

Quotes:

“So many people have volunteered their time and energy to help this commission and this site gives even more people a chance to participate in a meaningful way. All ideas are welcome, and the commission is very much looking forward to hearing new and creative approaches. They will be given serious consideration as part of our work.”

– Ren Thomas, co-chair, Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission

Quick Facts:

• rents cannot increase by more than two percent per year, and landlords will not be able to get an eviction order for renovations until Feb. 1, 2022, or until the state of emergency is lifted, whichever is sooner
• government is investing $513 million over 10 years in affordable housing projects and programs under the National Housing Strategy
• over the past six months, more than 900 low-income homeowners have received a home repair or adaptation
• more than 2,700 households currently receive a rent supplement
• the recently announced Targeted Housing Benefit will help up to 1,700 households across the province

Additional Resources:

Nova Scotia Housing Action Plan: https://housing.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/NS_Housing_Action_Plan_2019.pdf

Municipal Affairs and Housing Twitter Account: https://twitter.com/dma_ns