How It Works

The Public Housing Program follows a step-by-step, staged model: planning, site selection, design, procurement, construction, and tenant preparation, to ensure every housing project is well-planned, cost-effective, and community-focused. Each project moves through the six steps:

Step 1

Planning

Build Nova Scotia works with the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency on where housing is needed most and how many homes can be provided. Build Nova Scotia also works with the municipality to identify community needs and any issues that should be considered. 

Step 2

Site Selection

Finding the right site takes time and investigation, including environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations and meetings with municipal staff.

  • Based on what is learned from investigations and consultation, Build Nova Scotia uses four guiding principles to help select sites:
  • Health and safety: e.g., are the sites free of hazards that could pose risks to residents?
  • Social inclusion: e.g., are sites located within an existing neighbourhood or close to other homes?
  • Affordability for residents: e.g., are sites close to essential services—such as groceries, healthcare, recreation or transit (if transit is available)?
  • Affordability for the Province: e.g., are water and sewer services already available close to the site?

The more the site matches the guiding principles, the more likely the site will be selected.

Land owned by the Province is used wherever possible. This reduces costs to taxpayers and can speed up construction.

Step 3

Design

Design happens in two stages:

  • Preliminary designs – known as “schematic” designs – show the shape and size of the building, the number of apartments, floor plans, roads or driveways into the building, etc.
  • Detailed designs build on the schematic design and form the blueprints needed to start construction. 

Architects and engineers work together on design. They:

  • Are guided by building codes, accessibility standards and feedback
  • Develop designs that can be used for multiple projects, saving time and money 
  • Choose projects and construction methods that promote energy efficiency, last longer, and can be found locally, whenever possible.

Step 4

Procurement and Site Readiness

Once design is complete, Build Nova Scotia engages a construction company. In most cases, the company is selected through public tender.  While the tendering process takes time, it also helps secure the best materials at a fair price.

Step 5

Construction

Shovels are in the ground! Depending on the size of the building, this can take a year or more. The project pages contain more timing information.

Step 6

Tenant Preparation

Once construction is complete, Build Nova Scotia hands the building over to the Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency. 

The agency works to get people into their new homes as quickly as possible. However, electrical inspections must be completed, fire and emergency exit plans must be in place, and maintenance staff need to be trained on the new building systems.  

Housing agency staff work closely with new tenants on personal circumstances (for example, time needed to end a current lease) that can also affect when the building is fully occupied.