**** NS Gov Release
Public Housing for Eastern Passage
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About 25 people in Eastern Passage will soon have access to safe, affordable public housing with design work underway for eight apartments.
“Everyone deserves a comfortable, affordable place to call home,” said Housing Minister John White. “That’s why government is building more homes, faster. I am happy that we can bring more public housing to people in Eastern Passage as part of our plan.”
The apartments on Caldwell Road will be in an existing residential neighbourhood, close to schools, daycare, shopping, employment opportunities and transit. Each apartment will have a patio or balcony, private entrance, energy efficient appliances and heat pumps to keep tenants warm in winter and cool in summer. Two apartments will be fully accessible, and other apartments can be made accessible if needed.
Tenants will not pay more than 30 per cent of their income, before taxes, on rent.
Nova Scotia’s zzap Architecture and Planning is finalizing preliminary designs. Construction is expected to start next year.
The project supports the government’s five-year housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing. In line with the plan, the government has committed $251 million to build 515 new public housing units for more than1,300 people across the province.
Quotes:
“I really like living in Eastern Passage because people are so friendly, and it’s a great place to live. This housing announcement is great news for those who want to stay in our community.”
— Rita Amyotte, Eastern Passage resident
“More public housing is great news. I am happy that more people will have peace of mind knowing they will have a safe, comfortable place to live, great neighbours and rent they can afford.”
— Penny Conway, public housing tenant
Quick Facts:
- the Province owns the land, and there is access to water and sewer service
- the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency determines who will live in the new apartments, based on a wait list
- 69 per cent of current public housing tenants are seniors, 25 per cent are families and six per cent are couples or individuals younger than 58
- of the 515 homes planned by the Province, 315 are now underway or complete
Additional Resources:
Public Housing for Nova Scotians: https://housing.buildns.ca
Eligibility criteria for public housing: https://nspha.ca/applicants/eligibility
The Our Homes, Action for Housing plan and the provincial needs assessment report are at: https://novascotia.ca/action-for-housing/
