Nova Scotia Announces Eight New Public Housing Units in Eastern Passage
The Government of Nova Scotia has announced the development of eight new public housing apartments on Caldwell Road in Eastern Passage. Part of the province's 'Action for Housing' plan, the project aims to house approximately 25 people with rents capped at 30% of pre-tax income.
The Government of Nova Scotia announced on Thursday that eight new public housing apartments will be developed in Eastern Passage, located on Caldwell Road. The initiative is part of the province’s five-year 'Action for Housing' plan, which was launched in 2023 to address surging housing demand and affordability issues across the region.
According to the announcement, the new units are expected to house around 25 people. Tenants will pay no more than 30 per cent of their pre-tax income on rent. The project includes a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with two fully accessible units included in the design. zzap Architecture and Planning is currently finalizing the preliminary designs for the site.
Construction is expected to begin next year and be completed in approximately two years. The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency will determine tenant eligibility based on a waitlist.
This local development contributes to a broader provincial effort. The government has pledged $251 million to build 515 new public housing units across Nova Scotia as part of the 'Action for Housing' plan. Of these 515 planned homes, 315 are currently underway or complete. Housing Minister John White stated that the province is exceeding key targets and has created conditions for almost 80,000 additional homes three years into the plan.
The need for such housing is highlighted by current demographics within the province's public housing system. Statistics show that 69% of current public housing tenants in Nova Scotia are seniors, while 25% are families and 6% are couples or individuals younger than 58. A 2022 forecast indicated that 104,800 new units would be needed by 2032 to meet demand.
Eastern Passage MLA Barbara Adams noted that infrastructure improvements, including roads, power, and water, are being coordinated with the municipality and federal government to support the new development.