Nova Scotia announces $52 million in affordable housing investments

HALIFAX – The Nova Scotia government is investing millions of dollars into an effort is says will help more people find affordable housing.

The Liberal government announced the $52-million initiative on Tuesday.

“These investments will help more Nova Scotians find a good home that they can afford,” said Premier Stephen McNeil. “By preserving existing public housing, investing in new projects, and using innovative approaches such as rent supplements, we will help more people find a place to call home.”

The bulk of the money — $42 million — will be coming from unspent federal housing contributions, while the remaining $10 million will be from provincial funding and public-private partnerships.

“In my view, it is unconscionable for a government to sit on that kind of money for a rainy day,” McNeil said. “For many families, it’s raining today.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In my view, it is unconscionable for a government to sit on that kind of money for a rainy day," McNeil said. "For many families, it's raining today."

The province is investing $4.7 million dollars in rental supplements, which private landlords will augment at 50 cents for every dollar. The government says this will create 300 units of affordable housing throughout the province.

Joanne Bernard, the minister responsible for affordable housing, said rent supplements help prevent people from having to spend money earmarked for food or other necessities.

“It really eases the financial strain for persons looking for affordable housing,” she said.

Mark Bergman from Investment Property Owners of Nova Scotia said the supplements are “a way for landlords across the province to give back to those in need” and ensure higher occupancy rates.

There are nearly 2,000 Nova Scotians currently on the wait list for affordable housing. Bernard said the list is about to get much shorter.

The investment seems to be good news, but there are concerns from people who work in the affordable housing sector.

“The fact is that a lot of the people who are needing housing need more support than what a private landlord may be able to provide them,” said Adam Craft, housing support co-ordinator for Metro Non-Profit Housing.

There are also concerns about exactly how much money Nova Scotians will see, and what happens when the subsidies run out.

“Are we really going to receive $52 million or is $25 million going to be used for rent, staff, etc.,” said said Jennetta Keizer, who knows the struggles of finding affordable housing. “I’m very skeptical that they’re going to do anything to help,”