Government to Create Over 1,100 New Affordable Housing Units
The Province will spend nearly $35 million to support over 1,100 new affordable housing units in communities throughout Nova Scotia and make 425 new rent supplements available immediately.
“We want people to have a place to live that is safe and affordable,” said Premier Tim Houston. “We are moving forward with several initiatives that will see Nova Scotians have access to affordable housing. We know we need to do more, and we are.”
The government has identified new construction projects in several communities across the province. Specific project announcements will be made when details and agreements have been finalized with partners.
These initiatives are part of the recommendations by the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission to build new units to support community housing for lower income and vulnerable people.
Quotes:
“Nova Scotia needs more affordable housing units to address the housing crisis. We’re moving forward with projects that will see new affordable housing units in our province, along with rent supplements that will help people right now.”
– John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
“There is an urgent and ongoing need to increase affordable housing. Nova Scotia can solve its affordable housing crisis and we’re encouraged to see this work towards the recommendations of the Affordable Housing Commission. As rental rates continue to go up and vacancies decline in Cape Breton, creating enough safe, accessible, dignified affordable housing is more important than ever.”
– Erika Shea, CEO, New Dawn Enterprises Ltd.
“We are pleased with today’s announcement that the Province is committed to the growth of affordable housing. Housing co-operatives provide affordable, safe housing to low and moderate-income households and are a key part of the solution. CHF Canada looks forward to working with the Province of Nova Scotia to advance our shared goal of ensuring secure, affordable housing for all Nova Scotians."
– Karen Brodeur, Regional Manager Atlantic for the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada and member of the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission
Quick Facts:
- with this announcement, the Province will add to the almost 4,000 portable rent supplements already given to Nova Scotians every month
- the average rent supplement is $327 per month
- Minister Lohr’s mandate letter includes a commitment to identify a full inventory of lands owned by the Province in the first three months, identify other areas that could be used for housing and work to implement the recommendations of the affordable housing commission
Additional Resources:
Mandate letter of the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-MAH-EMO-MR.pdf
Report and recommendations of the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/affordable-housing-report-spring-2021
The new rent supplements are available through the Canada-Nova Scotia Target Housing Benefit: https://housing.novascotia.ca/programs/canada-nova-scotia-targeted-housing-benefit