**** HOUSING Media Release
Province Supports Four Affordable Housing Developments, Low-Income Home Repairs
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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.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter announced today, Feb. 3, that the province would invest $5.7 million to help create 109 units of affordable housing in four developments. Mr. Porter also announced $2 million in additional funding for the low-income home repair and adaptation program.
“We recognize that Nova Scotia is in the middle of an unprecedented housing market, and we needed to act quickly,” said Mr. Porter. “By working closely with our partners, we’ve been able to accomplish much more together than we would have on our own, and we will continue to look for long-term sustainable options.”
The projects are:
— $3 million for 51 units through Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes Ltd. in Halifax
— $1.7 million for 25 units through the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia in Dartmouth
— $650,000 for 27 units of a 54 unit project in the Town of Yarmouth
— $350,000 for seven units through the Antigonish Affordable Housing Society
— $2 million to repair or adapt at least 150 homes provincewide
The Town of Yarmouth will match the province’s contribution towards its project, while HRM has contributed land toward the Dartmouth project.
The Municipality of the County of Antigonish has contributed $20,000 and land towards its project. The Town of Antigonish has also contributed $20,000, while the Antigonish Community Energy Co-operative has contributed $15,000.
Quotes:
“Investments in affordable housing are vitally needed, requiring commitment and cooperation from all orders of government and our community partners.”
– Mike Savage, mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
“We desperately need housing in the Town of Yarmouth and helping provide quality homes people can afford has been a priority for many years. Town Councils past and present, and many of our staff have dedicated countless hours toward finding solutions. This announcement is exciting because we are reaching a major milestone. We are thankful for the work of the province and developers who believe in our community and have the vision to make new housing a reality.”
– Pam Mood, mayor, Town of Yarmouth
“We appreciate the contribution by the Province towards the development of much needed affordable housing in Dartmouth North. As well, we applaud the four other organizations that will receive financial support for their developments and wish them well. We are in a housing crisis. Our board and staff are deeply committed to responding to the crisis through the purchase and upgrade of existing stock units and new development across Nova Scotia.”
– Jim Graham, executive director, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia
Quick Facts:
— the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission is currently looking at sustainable, long-term recommendations for affordable housing
— together, the federal and provincial governments are investing $513 million over 10 years in affordable housing projects and programs
— 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:
Housing Action Plan: http://housing.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/NS_Housing_Action_Plan_2019.pdf
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
Municipal Affairs and Housing Twitter Account: http://twitter.com/dma_ns
