Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Province of Nova Scotia has identified 37 sites from the provincial land inventory that could be used to build housing, including affordable housing.
“These sites represent a potential future home for thousands of people,” said John Lohr, minister of municipal affairs and housing. “While there is still work that needs to be done on these sites, we know communities across the province need housing and this inventory now gives more options to increase supply.”
Five sites are ready for proposals:
- sites 29, 30 and 31 on Tremain Crescent, Windsor, West Hants
- Site 35 on Chapel, Mechanic and Elm streets, Springhill, Cumberland County
- Site 38 including six residential lots, Liverpool, Queens County.
In March, the province also made a piece of land in downtown Dartmouth available for a mixed-use project that includes affordable housing. Proposals are currently being evaluated by Develop Nova Scotia.
“We are pleased to be selected as the successful proponent for the Circassion Drive property,” said Nick Russell, CEO, Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society. “Our non-profit organization is committed to constructing affordable housing for residents of Dartmouth. The contribution of this site will help to ensure new affordable units remain affordable for the community for generations.”
A separate pilot project was announced last year for provincially owned lands at 1 in Cole Harbour where the Dartmouth Non-Profit Housing Society was the successful proponent to construct of up to 18 new affordable units on that property. Planning is now underway.
The Department continues to work on 31 of the sites to ensure housing suitability. When this work is approved, lands will be made available for proposals. Each site goes through a due diligence process, including environmental studies, traffic sight line studies and planning analysis, and considers access to services like sidewalks and schools.
“I am pleased to see this process identify provincially owned land for housing development throughout the province, including some lots that are part of the Nova Scotia Lands portfolio. This increased supply of land for housing will benefit these three communities and others in the future,” said.Kim Masland, minister of public works.
