For Haligonians like Anne Blackler, what to do with Shannon Park has been talked about for decades. “A long time, like for over 20 years,” she says. But work has been happening at the site, where the federal and provincial governments have promised 930 housing units will be built. “It’s a direct-build site,” says federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson. “We have six of these across Canada on former military lands, and they are the top priority with Build Canada Homes. These are projects that they are expediting on federal land.” At an unrelated housing–clean energy announcement in Dartmouth, Robertson was unsure of the latest timeline for the homes to be built. His office did not have an answer by deadline. “It’s a process; building of homes and major developments like this typically takes several years,” Robertson says. “We’re trying to expedite every step of working together with all levels of government.” But he did say it’s an important spot because it will help address housing demand as defence spending continues to climb. “We want to make sure we’re building affordably and we want to make sure we’re building for Canadian Armed Forces members, and those who will support the industry growing here on the Nova Scotia coast,” he says. As part of the community proposal, 100 public units have been announced, but some say more affordable homes are needed, too. “Good plan, public housing is very important,” says Blackler. “I’m in an apartment myself, and I rent, and I’m in a very fortunate position right now, but others aren’t.” “I think there’s urgency along the housing continuum, up until you are addressing the needs of people with $100,000-plus incomes,” says Angela Bishop, Housing Trust of Nova Scotia CEO. “Because even though the vacancy rate may appear over one [per cent], that doesn’t reflect the need of folks who are of lower and moderate incomes.” The Housing Trust of Nova Scotia says it’s important for community housing groups to get at least 20 per cent of the units to ensure they remain affordable. “The non-profit housing sector is the one that will step in, take that on, and hold it in perpetuity as an asset for community.” The federal and provincial governments have committed a combined $300 million to the project so far. For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
