The Nova Scotia government announced it is investing an additional $19.5 million toward the preservation and modernization of its existing affordable housing supply, and toward the creation of new modular housing for those experiencing homelessness.
“To tackle this housing crisis, growing our community housing sector will be key to increasing housing supply,” said Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister John Lohr. “We also need to protect and preserve the affordable housing units we currently have in this province. This investment will help preserve existing homes and strengthen organizations for future growth.”
$12.5 million of the new investment will come from the Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program, which helps co-operative housing groups and non-profit housing providers complete necessary capital repairs, including accessibility, health and safety improvements. This includes $7.5 million in forgivable loans to the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia to upgrade 150 units in Halifax Regional Municipality. An additional $2.5 million will come from the Community Housing Growth Fund, which supports non-profits and co-ops with capacity building and the design and planning of new affordable housing development projects. Another $2.5 million will be invested in the Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, which assists landlords in upgrading the condition of existing affordable units while maintaining low-end of market rents for tenants.
Having already budgeted more than $12.4 million for the above three programs, the government’s total investment in 2022 has topped $29.9 million.
An additional $2 million in funds is allocated for new modular housing to support people who may be experiencing homelessness. The modular units will be located in areas where there is available land and urgent need.
“We know people are struggling right now, and this investment of $2 million will help provide safe, temporary homes for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of Community Services. “Modular housing helps deliver homes more quickly to those in need, reduces the cost of independent builds, and is an innovative solution to increasing affordable housing options in our province.
