N.S. to build 242 new public housing units at cost of $136M

The capital plan for the 2025-26 fiscal year in Nova Scotia is set to double the number of new public housing units, addressing the growing demand for affordable housing in the province. Growth and Development Minister Colton LeBlanc announced that the $2.4 billion plan includes 242 new public housing units, costing $136.4 million over several years. This initiative comes after the province’s first investments in public housing in 30 years, with 222 housing units and 51 modular homes announced over the past 18 months.

LeBlanc emphasized the importance of building more public housing to meet the housing needs of communities, stating that the new units would accommodate approximately 600 people. While the government previously expected the private sector to respond to market demand for affordable housing, LeBlanc acknowledged the need for additional public housing units to address shortages.

Finance Minister John Lohr pointed to the significant wait-list for public housing, which currently exceeds 7,000 people, as the driving force behind the government’s decision to invest in new public units. The locations for the upcoming housing developments have not been disclosed yet, but officials stated that they would be built in high-demand areas such as Halifax.

Updates on the initial set of new homes announced in September 2023 revealed that completion dates vary by location, with some units expected to be ready as early as this summer and others by the summer of 2028. NDP Leader Claudia Chender praised the government’s efforts but emphasized the need for more affordable housing options beyond public housing.

In addition to funding for public housing, the capital plan includes allocations for health, education, and infrastructure projects. With $1.4 billion dedicated to health initiatives, including hospital projects in Halifax and Cape Breton, and $210 million for school construction and renovation, the plan aims to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Lohr highlighted the plan’s role in potentially mitigating the impact of U.S. tariffs on the province.

As Nova Scotia continues to address its affordable housing crisis, the government’s capital plan represents a significant step towards providing secure and accessible housing for residents in need. More details on the plan’s implementation and potential economic impacts will be outlined in the upcoming provincial budget.