N.S. government allocates four new sites for public housing development

Sites in four communities – including this one in Shubenacadie – have been selected for new public housing. (Source: Build Nova Scotia)

Nova Scotia has announced sites in four communities that have been selected for new public housing.

The new public housing will create up to 64 affordable homes and will be built in Middleton, Windsor, Shubenacadie and Springhill.

The affordable housing is part of the province’s plan to build 515 new public housing units across Nova Scotia over the next five years.

“Our government is delivering the most significant investments in public housing infrastructure in over 30 years,” said John White, minister of housing. “Today’s announcement represents months of work to ensure these sites are safe, accessible, close to amenities and have the infrastructure in place that is needed to support families for decades.”

According to a release from the province, design work for the buildings is currently underway and construction could start as soon as the spring. Initial designs are being done by Nova Scotia firm zzap Architecture and Planning.

The designs will confirm the number and size of units, size and shape of the buildings, access to the sites and other design details.

The housing will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments located at:

• Sunset Crescent in Middleton, up to 24 apartments
• Crossley Court in Windsor, up to 16
• Mill Village Road in Shubenacadie, up to 16
• Junction Road in Springhill, up to eight

Under public housing’s rent-geared-to-income model, tenants do not pay more than 30 per cent of their gross income on rent.

The sites were chosen by Build Nova Scotia based on criteria including land ownership, size, readiness for development, safety and distance to essential services and employment opportunities.

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