**** CNS Media Release
Historic Investment in Municipalities
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All 49 municipalities across the province will see the benefits of a new service exchange agreement signed today, March 28.
The agreement, also known as a memorandum of understanding (MOU), takes effect Monday, April 1, and represents a historic annual investment of $82 million from the Province. This is a $52-million increase from the $30 million in funding through the annual Municipal Financial Capacity Grant.
“This service exchange agreement is the culmination of nearly two years of extensive discussion, compromise and collaboration between the Province and municipalities,” said John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “We are proud of the work accomplished together, which reflects the needs of Nova Scotians and supports the growth of our communities.”
Amendments to legislation passed in the fall allow significant changes aimed at fostering growth and sustainability within Nova Scotia municipalities.
Changes include:
– removing the requirement under the Corrections Act for municipalities to make an annual contribution towards corrections
– removing the requirement under the Housing Supply and Services Act for municipalities to pay a portion of the net operating losses for public housing
– changing the Education Act so that ownership of schools built prior to 1981 will transfer back to the Province when they are deemed obsolete, with municipalities given the first right of offer to purchase the building at a negotiated price
– updating the Municipal Grants Act and moving elements of the Municipal Financial Capacity Grant formula into regulation so it is more flexible and easier to adapt to the changing needs of municipalities, and enabling the government to implement the new formula agreed to by municipalities.
Quotes:
“The signing of this service exchange agreement marks a pivotal moment for Nova Scotia’s municipalities, signalling a historic investment in our communities. Together, we’ve worked to address the evolving needs of our residents, fostering growth and sustainability across the province.”
— Carolyn Bolivar-Getson, Mayor, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg; President, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
“Today’s agreement signifies a significant step forward in enhancing the partnership between the Province and municipalities. With the removal of certain financial burdens and the introduction of flexible funding mechanisms, we’re poised to build stronger, more resilient communities for generations to come.”
— Murray Scott, Mayor, Municipality of the County of Cumberland; co-Chair, Service Exchange Renegotiation and Municipal Government Act Review Committee
“The new service exchange agreement reflects a collaborative effort to support the diverse needs of Nova Scotians and bolster the vitality of our municipalities. With increased investment and streamlined processes, we are better equipped to address the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.”
— Juanita Spencer, CEO, Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities
Quick Facts:
– the previous agreement had been in place since 1995
– the Province has been consulting with the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) since the fall and determined including HRM in the agreement was advantageous
– the new agreement is the result of hundreds of hours of consultations over 18 months, working directly with municipalities across the province
– renegotiating the service exchange agreement with municipalities is a key part of the Minister’s mandate
– discussions on additional items beyond this service agreement continue
Additional Resources:
News release – Legislative Amendments for Service Exchange Agreement: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/10/17/legislative-amendments-service-exchange-agreement
News release – Significant Investment in Communities: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/02/23/significant-investment-communities
News release – More Support for Communities Across Nova Scotia: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2021/09/24/more-support-communities-across-nova-scotia
Mandate letter for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-MAH-EMO-MR.pdf
More Funding to Support African Nova Scotian Housing
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The Province is increasing its investment in long-term, community-led housing in three African Nova Scotian communities.
The additional support for the Preston Area Housing Fund will help ensure the organization is set up for long-term success. Funds will assist with ongoing maintenance, repairs, staffing, administration and property management costs associated with close to 50 provincially owned housing units that will soon be transferred to the organization, as well help it plan for future growth.
“Our government is committed to the collaboration, investment and work needed to remove systemic barriers and support community-based housing opportunities for African Nova Scotians so they can stay in and grow their communities,” said African Nova Scotian Affairs Minister Twila Grosse, on behalf of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “We are listening and acting, and today’s historic investment in the Preston Area Housing Fund will set them up for success for years to come so they can provide support and leadership in their communities to create more sustainable community-owned housing now and in the future.”
The units that will be owned and managed by the housing fund are in North Preston, East Preston and Cherry Brook-Lake Loon. This new investment of $5 million brings the total investment to $8.5 million. The government had previously provided $3.5 million to support the repair, maintenance and sustainable operation of the units.
Quotes:
“These funds will equip us with the tools to develop plans for future growth. We are thankful for the partnership we have with African Nova Scotian Affairs and the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Also, we are grateful for the collaboration of our working project management team, led by Davis Pier. Housing is stability. Housing is dignity. Housing is absolutely necessary for our livelihood. This critical infrastructure is much needed in the Preston area.
— Kerry C. Johnston, Executive Director, Preston Area Housing Fund
Quick Facts:
– the Province signed a memorandum of understanding with the Preston Area Housing Fund on January 30
– the units identified for transfer to community ownership were developed under a variety of federal and provincial housing programs that no longer exist
– the $5-million investment falls under the 2023-24 budget year
Additional Resources:
News release – Province Takes Action on Barriers to African Nova Scotian Housing:
https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/01/30/province-takes-action-barriers-african-nova-scotian-housing
News release – More Funding For Black-Led Community Housing:
https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2023/11/07/more-funding-black-led-community-housing
Mandate letter for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing:
https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-MAH-EMO-MR.pdf
Our Homes, Action for Housing: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing
