N.S. scoops up land at Shannon Park for $16.8M, expects 600 affordable units to be built

The Nova Scotia government has made a bold move by stepping into the redevelopment of Shannon Park in Dartmouth. This former military site has been largely vacant since 2017, and the government is now purchasing land for affordable housing in this area.

An order-in-council dated March 6 authorized the minister of public works to acquire the land from Crown corporation Canada Lands Company. The government is planning to build around 600 units of affordable housing on the two parcels of land off Princess Margaret Boulevard. The purchase price of $16.8 million is significantly below market value, making it a strategic investment for the province.

The grassy expanse near the base of the MacKay Bridge, equivalent to 63 football fields, has been empty for almost a decade following the demolition of military housing in 2017. In 2023, the Halifax Regional Municipality approved a permanent housing development at the site, along with commercial space, a transit hub, and two large parks. Canada Lands Company, which owns the property, is overseeing the redevelopment, which is expected to include 3,000 housing units.

Canada Lands Company has committed to including at least 20 percent affordable units in the development, amounting to approximately 600 homes. The company is currently in the process of seeking approval to subdivide the property and sell parcels of land to developers, with construction anticipated to commence later this year.

The Nova Scotia government’s involvement in the purchase of land at Shannon Park signals a proactive approach to addressing the need for affordable housing in the region. While details about the government’s specific plans for the property remain sparse, there is a strong emphasis on expediting the availability of affordable housing for Nova Scotians.

Trish McCourt, executive director of the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association, expressed hope that non-profit housing providers will play a role in the development. By involving non-profit organizations, there is potential to ensure long-term affordability and address the pressing need for stable housing options. McCourt emphasized the importance of setting rents at 30 percent of a household’s income to make housing accessible to all individuals in need.

Overall, the purchase of land at Shannon Park presents an opportunity for the Nova Scotia government to make a significant impact on affordable housing in the region. By working collaboratively with non-profit housing providers and prioritizing affordability, this initiative has the potential to address the homelessness crisis and provide vital support to those in need.