The federal and provincial governments announced they were investing $3.25 million towards affordable housing projects in Bridgewater, Port Hawkesbury, and Halifax.
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.
Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bernadette Jordan whose riding includes Bridgewater says the government is aware of the housing crisis being faced in rural communities and they hope these new housing projects will help alleviate it to some degree.
“People often think that the housing crisis is only being felt in cities which just isn’t true so I was pleased to see our government invest in our smaller communities that are facing these issues,” Jordan said.
Jordan explained that barrier-free housing will help provide housing for those with severe mobility issues as she says barrier-free housing goes above and beyond what is deemed accessible.
With the funding just recently being announced planning is still in the early stages and where the new buildings will go and when they will be finished is yet to be determined.
One of the other projects included in this funding is 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.
While $3.25 million may not seem like a lot to resolve a housing crisis the government says it is part of a bigger plan.
Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development says this is just one of many ways they are trying to improve the housing situation nationally.
“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,” Hussen said.
Over the next ten years, the federal and provincial governments have already committed $513 million for affordable housing projects and programs in Nova Scotia.
