HALIFAX The Nova Scotia government is actively defending a $1.35-million housing program that has resulted in 60 leases over approximately two years. The initiative was implemented through a partnership with the non-profit home-sharing platform Happipad, a strategy the government deemed successful in helping individuals secure housing.
Despite the government’s supportive stance, initial evaluations indicate that the program has cost over $22,000 per lease. This high expenditure has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who argue that the government has not done enough to provide affordable housing solutions for Nova Scotians. The opposition has raised concerns about the efficiency and overall impact of the program in addressing the province's housing crisis.
Chrissy Matheson, a spokesperson for the Department of Growth and Development, stated that while only 60 formal leases were completed through the program, data suggests that around 400 people may have established connections for housing outside the platform. She emphasized that the Happipad initiative is just one of several options the province is exploring to connect individuals with safe and affordable living arrangements. Matheson remarked, “The platform was successful in connecting people, some at risk of homelessness, with safe and affordable housing. For those 60 people who found a home through the platform, it has been a success.”
Launched in 2023, the purpose of Happipad is to facilitate connections between renters seeking month-to-month accommodations and homeowners who have available rooms for rent. When the program initiated, the Nova Scotia government estimated that there were about 130,000 vacant bedrooms throughout the province. Over the nearly two-year duration of the project, about 1,850 renters and 950 hosts registered on Happipad.
Last week, Claudia Chender, the Opposition NDP Leader, criticized the contract with Happipad, characterizing it as “always more of a gimmick than a real solution” to the ongoing housing issues faced by the province. This critique reflects broader concerns regarding the effectiveness of the government’s overall housing strategy amid a rising demand for affordable living options.
In response to the criticism and the challenges surrounding housing, Matheson reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to a comprehensive housing plan, which represents a $1.7-billion investment aimed at developing over 50,000 housing units within a span of two years, with many more anticipated in the future. This ambitious plan aims to address the growing housing demand in Nova Scotia and improve access to quality living spaces for its residents.
The ongoing discussions surrounding the Happipad initiative and the government's housing strategy emphasize the challenges faced by local administrations in providing viable solutions to the housing crisis. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how effective these measures will be in meeting the needs of Nova Scotians seeking affordable homes.
