The Province of Nova Scotia is investing an additional $19.5 million to preserve, modernize, and improve existing affordable housing, grow the community housing sector, and add modular housing.
“To tackle this housing crisis, growing our community housing sector will be key to increasing the housing supply. We need to protect and preserve the affordable housing units we currently have in this province.” says Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr.
The province is allocating $12.5 million through the Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program to help co-operative housing groups and non-profit housing providers complete necessary capitol repairs, including accessibility, and health and safety improvements. This includes $7.5 million in forgivable loans to the housing trust of Nova Scotia to upgrade 150 units in the Halifax Regional Municipality.
$2 million is being allocated for modular housing to support people who may be experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. These units will be located where there is land available and an urgent need for them. Minister of Community Services Karla MacFarlane welcomed the investment as modular homes deliver shelter quickly to people that need them, reduces the cost of independent builds and provides a solution to affordable housing options.
An additional $2.5 million will be invested in the Community Housing Growth Fund to support non-profits and co-ops with capacity building and the design and planning of new affordable housing development projects.
The Rental Residential Rehabilitation Program that assists landlords in upgrading the condition of existing affordable units will benefit from $2.5 million dollars in funding.
