**** INFRASTRUCTURE/HOUSING Release
Support for Three Affordable Housing Developments
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Affordable housing developments in three Nova Scotia communities will receive support from the provincial and federal governments under the National Housing Strategy.
Infrastructure and Housing Minister Geoff MacLellan and federal Families, Children and Social Development Minister Ahmed Hussen announced today, June 2, that $3.25 million will be invested to help build 65 units for seniors and low-income Nova Scotians.
“Creating affordable housing is a group effort and these projects are a great example of how communities, the province and the federal government are working together to make sure more Nova Scotians have a place to call home,” said Mr. MacLellan. “We will continue to develop more projects with our partners as we look for sustainable, long-term affordable housing solutions.”
In Bridgewater, $1.25 million will create 25 affordable units. Five one-bedroom units will be accessible, and five two-bedroom units will be fully barrier-free.
In Port Hawkesbury, $1.2 million will preserve and improve 24 vacant affordable units that will be rented significantly below the market rate.
In the Oyster Pond area of Halifax Regional Municipality, $800,000 will support the conversion of the former Jeddore Lakeville Elementary School into 16 affordable one-bedroom units for seniors.
Quotes:
“Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. Our government is a proud partner in these important projects as we increase the supply of affordable rental housing in Nova Scotia and give peace of mind to our seniors and those most vulnerable. When we strengthen our communities, we build hope and a better Canada. This is the National Housing Strategy at work.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
“We are pleased to be a part of this partnership, and to be part of a team working to address affordable housing needs in Port Hawkesbury. Everyone deserves a high-quality place to call home that they will be able to afford for years to come. We’re proud to deliver inspired, forward-thinking developments where people can feel confident and be part of a community.”
– Danita Rooyakkers, co-owner, Breton Apartments
Quick Facts:
— together, the federal and provincial governments are investing $513 million over 10 years in affordable housing projects and programs
— In 2020-21, more than 1,800 low-income homeowners received assistance to make a home repair or adaptation
— more than 3,100 households currently receive a rent supplement
— the Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit will help up to 1,700 households across the province
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission report and recommendations: http://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/affordable-housing-report-spring-2021
Housing Action Plan: http://housing.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/NS_Housing_Action_Plan_2019.pdf
