Funding Supports Community Housing Sustainability, Repairs
The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are investing more than $13 million through the Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program to help seven community housing organizations transform their operations and complete repairs to existing units.
“Having a vibrant community housing sector is critical to ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing options for Nova Scotians,” said Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing John Lohr. “Investments like this help to preserve existing homes and strengthen organizations for future development and growth.”
Nearly $5 million in funding will be allocated to help preserve, renew and grow co-op housing through the amalgamation of two small housing co-operatives – Gimme Shelter (12 units) in Sydney and New Armdale Westside (26 units) in Halifax – with Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Housing Ltd.
This will allow the organizations to leverage the governance model and administrative experience of Compass to make their operations more sustainable and complete necessary capital repairs.
Four other co-operatives and one non-profit housing provider in Nova Scotia are also receiving more than $8 million in forgivable loans to complete necessary capital repairs to their buildings, including health and safety improvements such as upgrades to electrical systems and fire safety equipment. The funding will help preserve 145 affordable units.
Organizations receiving funds are:
- Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society, 57 units, Dartmouth: $2,558,600
- Evangeline Court Housing Co-operative Limited, 27 units, Wolfville: $1,045,100
- Spanish Bay Housing Co-operative (part of Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Housing Ltd.), 18 units, Sydney: $2,458,100
- Fresh Start Housing Co-operative Limited, 30 units, Lower Sackville: $1,388,500
- Needham Housing Co-operative Limited, 13 units, Halifax: $557,500
The Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program is jointly funded through the Canada-Nova Scotia Bilateral Agreement, under the National Housing Strategy, to support the preservation of existing community housing units and long-term sector