This former Dartmouth office building will soon be affordable housing
The Marine House building in downtown Dartmouth, N.S., which used to house federal government offices, is set to undergo a transformation into affordable housing for urban Indigenous people. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society has acquired the building and plans to renovate it to create at least 61 apartments, with the aim of ensuring that all units cost only 30 per cent of the renter’s income.
Executive director Pamela Glode-Desrochers emphasized the urgent need for affordable housing, stating that truly affordable options are becoming increasingly scarce. The renovated building will cater to a diverse range of tenants, including seniors and students, and will offer a variety of programs such as health, educational, and employment support through the Friendship Centre.
The seven-storey Marine House building, constructed in 1984, has been vacant for years and is deemed to be in critical condition. The Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Society secured a $2.4 million mortgage from the Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation to acquire the property, in collaboration with the Assembly of Mi’kmaw Chiefs. The renovation project, estimated to cost $20 million, involves partnerships with Castone Construction and East Port Properties.
Glode-Desrochers expressed confidence in the building’s potential for restoration, stating that demolition would be a last resort. Funding for renovations will be provided by the Nova Scotia government, with additional support sought from Halifax Regional Municipality. Plans for construction are slated to be finalized by September, with the goal of welcoming residents by mid-2027.
The initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the housing crisis, offering hope for improved living conditions and financial stability for individuals and families in need. The integration of affordable housing within a previously underutilized government building showcases innovative solutions to pressing social issues.
