The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust Receives $61.2 Million Federal Funding for New Co-op Housing Units

The federal government announced a significant investment of $61.2 million for the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust on Saturday. This funding will be used to build 136 co-op housing units in the historic African Nova Scotian community.

Preserving Heritage and Providing Affordable Housing

All 136 units will be constructed at 195 Equestrian Lane, with the first block of housing set to open next fall, according to Curtis Whiley, the president and founder of the land trust. Whiley emphasized the importance of this project in overcoming generations of dispossession and systemic barriers faced by the community.

Sackville-Bedford-Preston MP Braedon Clark highlighted that this is the largest federal investment in new co-op housing in 30 years. He expressed that the project will not only address the need for affordable housing but also preserve the rich culture and heritage of African Nova Scotians in Upper Hammonds Plains and beyond.

Empowering Community Through Land Ownership

The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, established in 2022, operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to owning land for the benefit of the community. The trust aims to provide affordable housing and uphold the cultural heritage of African Nova Scotians through community-based land ownership.

The project will include 29 accessible units and is projected to be completed by 2027. Whiley expressed excitement about the potential of this initiative to inspire other communities to pursue similar projects.

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