The government of Nova Scotia has announced that the first residents have moved into newly completed affordable housing units in Cumberland County, as part of several ongoing housing initiatives in the region. This development is seen as a significant step toward addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in the area.
According to a press release, a total of 27 new affordable housing units are set to be available by fall, with 20 units having been completed in the towns of Springhill and Amherst. Tory Rushton, the Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Cumberland South and the province’s Minister of Natural Resources, expressed that these investments are crucial for increasing the housing supply, enhancing affordability for residents, supporting local communities, and stimulating the local economy.
This announcement follows the recent completion of a project funded by the province in 2023 through Six Point Star Homes Ltd. Two new buildings featuring six affordable units in Springhill have met or exceeded net-zero energy standards, comprising both one and two-bedroom units. The Nova Scotian government has contributed $615,000 in forgivable funding to this initiative through the Affordable Housing Development Program, which highlights the commitment to sustainable and affordable housing solutions.
Moreover, three additional projects in Amherst are set to receive funding through the Affordable Housing Development Program, which will add another 19 affordable units in the municipality. Tom Mattinson, President of Six Point Star Homes Ltd., emphasized the importance of this funding, stating that it enables the completion of 21 net-zero ready apartments that would not have been possible without provincial support.
Amherst Housing Crisis
In light of the ongoing housing crisis, the Town of Amherst has projected a need for 100 new housing units annually to meet the rising demand over the next several decades. As of September 2024, approximately 650 units have either been approved or are currently under construction. The town's primary focus is on the approval of apartment buildings, a move that has been incentivized by the local council, which allows developers to finance up to $250,000 of infrastructure costs through the town.
The town has stated that this initiative enables developers to concentrate on constructing housing units, thereby addressing the critical issue of affordable housing in the area. Continued collaboration between government entities and private developers is essential for mitigating the housing shortage and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in Cumberland County.
