Canada and Nova Scotia Announce $300 Million Partnership to Build 1,430 Affordable Homes in Dartmouth
On December 14, 2025, the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia announced a joint commitment of up to $300 million through Build Canada Homes to accelerate the development of 1,430 new affordable homes in Dartmouth. The initiative includes funding for non-profit housing and a Direct Build approach at Shannon Park, with support from the Halifax Regional Municipality to fast-track approvals.
The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia have announced a significant partnership aimed at accelerating the delivery of affordable housing in Dartmouth. On December 14, 2025, officials confirmed that the two levels of government will jointly commit up to $300 million to develop an additional 1,430 new affordable homes across the province.
This collaboration is facilitated through Build Canada Homes, a federal agency launched on September 14, 2025, with an initial investment of $13 billion over five years. Under the new agreement, the funding breakdown includes up to $120 million from Build Canada Homes and up to $180 million from the Province of Nova Scotia.
The partnership outlines specific targets for different types of housing units. Financing has been secured for 500 units of non-profit and community housing drawn from the province’s existing housing pipeline, with construction expected to begin within 12 months. Additionally, 300 homes are planned for Shannon Park, comprising supportive, transitional, and public housing units.
A key component of the strategy involves Build Canada Homes prioritizing a "Direct Build" approach for approximately 630 residential units at Shannon Park. The goal for this segment is to ensure that at least 40% of these mixed-market rental units are delivered below market value. To facilitate this, Build Canada Homes has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build teams for the federal portion of the Shannon Park project, with responses closing on February 9, 2026.
The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) has pledged its support for the initiative by working to fast-track development approvals. The HRM may also reduce or waive municipal development fees and property taxes for a 930-unit affordable housing project located on federal and provincial lands in Shannon Park. This multi-level cooperation aims to leverage modern methods of construction, such as prefabrication and mass timber, to reduce costs and red tape while providing long-term affordability guarantees for low to moderate-income households.