**** CNS Media Release
Province Extends Ban on Ending Leases for Residential Renovations
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The Province is protecting renters by extending the ban on ending a residential lease for the purpose of renovations.
“We are extending the ban so our most vulnerable citizens continue to be protected during the pandemic,” said Colton LeBlanc, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Internal Services. “With the uncertainty of the pandemic continuing, and with the province still being in a state of emergency, we need to extend this temporary measure to help keep people in their homes.”
The ban was scheduled to end February 1, 2022, or when the state of emergency was lifted, whichever came first. With this change, the ban on ending a residential lease for the purpose of renovations is being extended until the state of emergency ends or the ban is repealed, whichever comes first.
Quick Facts:
— the Province introduced the ban on landlords ending a lease for renovations on November 25, 2020
— the Residential Tenancies Act was amended in October 2021 to enhance tenant protections in situations where the landlord needs to end a lease for the purpose of renovations; the new rules will come into effect when the ban ends
— the temporary two per cent rent cap was extended through legislation until December 31, 2023
Community Organizations To Create Safe, Affordable Places to Live in Halifax Regional Municipality
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There will soon be 20 more safe, supportive, affordable places to live in Halifax Regional Municipality, thanks to investments from the federal, provincial and municipal governments.
“Housing isn’t just about putting a roof over someone’s head; sometimes, it’s about finding the supports people need to tackle the other challenges life has put in their way,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are pleased to work with our community partners to provide housing for people in need.”
The new affordable housing units will be created through projects in Dartmouth and Chezzetcook:
— Akoma Holdings will operate eight townhomes on Main Street in Dartmouth, offering affordable housing designed to support African Nova Scotians from the Preston area
— Souls Harbour Rescue Mission will offer a 12-unit supportive housing facility in Chezzetcook for women and children who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless; it will include meals, bedding, clothing, toiletries and activities for residents.
The two projects will receive close to $6.5 million from the Government of Canada through the Cities Stream of the Rapid Housing Initiative. The Province will contribute a total of $500,000 to the projects.
Quotes:
“Every Canadian deserves the peace of mind of a safe and affordable place to call home. Today’s funding will go a long way to support those who need it most. These projects, in addition to the one that was announced yesterday in Dartmouth, will quickly provide 85 new affordable homes for Halifax’s most vulnerable population to help keep them safe. This is one of the ways our National Housing Strategy continues to ensure that no one is left behind.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
“The Rapid Housing Initiative is a testament to what can happen when all orders of government and social agencies join in common purpose to build much-needed affordable homes and address the housing crisis. Together, we can improve the lives of vulnerable people by starting with safe, secure, stable housing.”
– Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax Regional Municipality
“We’re really excited about this project. It will provide affordable homes in the Preston community, where they are much needed, and allow people to live closer to their families and their support network.”
– Spencer Colley, board member, Akoma Holdings
“This funding could not have come at a better time with Halifax currently in the middle of a housing crisis. Imagine, in one year, we will open our doors and turn over the keys to 12 women who are in desperate need of housing along with their children.”
– Michelle Porter, co-founder and CEO, Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
Additional Resources:
A Healthy Nova Scotia: Solutions for Housing and Homelessness: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/solutions-housing-and-homelessness/
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
Reports outlining the Province’s work to help make housing more available and protect existing affordable housing: https://beta.novascotia.ca/documents/affordable-housing-reports
