Compass Nova Scotia Opens 13 Affordable Co-op Homes in Rural Communities
Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes has completed two redevelopment projects in Shelburne and Digby Counties, creating 13 new affordable co-operative homes. The initiatives, supported by over $5.2 million in investment, transformed a former municipal building and an elementary school into barrier-free housing units with energy-efficient upgrades.
Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes has officially opened 13 new affordable co-operative homes following the completion of two redevelopment projects in rural Nova Scotia. The developments are located in Shelburne and Digby Counties, addressing local housing needs through the adaptive reuse of existing community structures.
The projects include the Heritage Hall Neighbourhood in Shelburne, which was created from a former municipal building, and the Barton School Neighbourhood in Digby County, developed from a former elementary school. These transformations preserve important community assets while providing modern housing solutions.
The 13 new homes are designed to be barrier-free, featuring seven one-bedroom units and six two-bedroom units. Among these, two homes are fully accessible. Both developments incorporate energy-efficiency features such as heat pumps, heat recovery ventilators, and building envelope upgrades, aimed at reducing energy consumption and operating costs.
The redevelopments represent a combined investment of more than $5.2 million, supported by federal, provincial, municipal, and community partners. Monthly housing charges for members are set at approximately 79 per cent of Median Market Rent. Specifically, one-bedroom homes have a monthly charge of $652, while two-bedroom homes cost $749 per month.
Keith MacDonald is the President of Compass Nova Scotia Co-operative Homes, and Karen Brodeur serves as the Director of Co-operative Housing Development at the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada. The initiative contributes to the broader network of over 2,200 non-profit housing co-operatives across Canada, where a quarter of a million Canadians currently live.