News releases from Municipal Affairs and Housing (to Feb. 23, 2021) (Page 1)

The province is making further investments to support Nova Scotians who are struggling to afford the places they call home and continues working with other levels of government and developers to find solutions.

Seniors and people with disabilities are looking for more options for affordable and accessible housing in the Windsor area. That’s why the province has transferred more than 9.3 hectares (23 acres) of unused land to Dykeland Lodge.

Nova Scotians want to live in communities that are vibrant and sustainable, and more collaboration between local governments can help make the places we call home stronger. That is why the province is investing in municipal efforts to work together in new ways more frequently.

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.

Having a safe and affordable place to call home is a struggle for too many Nova Scotians. That’s why the provincial, federal and municipal governments are supporting the creation of more than 50 new affordable housing units in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

Too many people do not have a place to call home and the COVID-19 pandemic is making their situation even worse. Public health protocols such as physical distancing mean fewer beds are available at a time when more people need them. That’s why the province is taking further steps to address homelessness in Halifax.

Too many Nova Scotians are struggling to afford the place they call home, creating additional health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic and state of emergency. That’s why the province is taking steps to protect renters in all parts of the province from excessive rent increases and renovictions while it works on longer term solutions.

Nova Scotians count on local governments to provide essential programs and services. That is why the province and the federal government are making sure municipalities have the resources they need during the pandemic.

As Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, I want to congratulate everyone who participated in this year’s municipal elections and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote.

Every Nova Scotian deserves to feel safe in their community and know that help is available, if needed. That is why the province is helping first responder organizations buy more than $1.25 million of emergency equipment.

Note: The following is an op-ed from Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter

Government is committed to building an inclusive province by 2030, in part, by ensuring accessibility is considered when policies, programs and services are developed and delivered.

Creating beautiful and inviting spaces encourages economic development and enhances the quality of life for residents in communities.

Quinze projets municipaux recevront une aide financière pour aider à atténuer les risques d’inondation et soutenir les infrastructures municipales, dont 675 477 $ pour dix projets du Programme d’aide aux immobilisations provinciales et 246 448 $ pour cinq projets du Programme d’investissement dans l’infrastructure réduisant les risques d’inondation.

Fifteen municipal projects will receive funding to help mitigate flood risk and support municipal infrastructure, including $675,477 for 10 projects under the Provincial Capital Assistance Program and $246,448 for five projects under the Flood Risk Infrastructure Investment Program.

Nova Scotians rely on first responder organizations to protect us from fires and other emergency situations. That is why the budget of the Emergency Services Provider Fund was increased to purchase equipment used to respond to an emergency.

A new operating loan program is being introduced to help municipalities with financial losses due to COVID-19.

The quality of life for Nova Scotians greatly depends on access to safe and affordable housing. That is why the province has signed an agreement to fund the repair and renovation of rental units owned and operated by Tawaak Housing Association.

Government is removing red tape for municipalities so they can provide services more efficiently to Nova Scotians. Amendments introduced today, Feb. 26, to the Municipal Government Act and Halifax Regional Municipality Charter will remove unnecessary approvals by the minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Changes to the Housing Nova Scotia Act will give the province formal authority to provide financial housing support directly to families and individuals so they can choose where they want to live.