Frequently Asked Questions

What is the plan for new public housing in Nova Scotia?

Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home, yet too many people are struggling to find one. That’s why the provincial government launched Action for Housing – Government of Nova Scotia, Canada. The Province, with support from the federal government, is investing $251 million in public housing as part of this five-year plan. This is the largest investment ever in public housing in Nova Scotia.

How much new public housing is government building?

Government committed to building 515 units. One unit could be a mini-home or an apartment in a building. A duplex counts as two units, a fourplex counts as four, and an eightplex counts for eight.

This will provide homes for more than 1300 Nova Scotians.  

Are 515 units enough, given the size of the waitlist for public housing?

Government is making the largest investment ever in public housing, but the needs are great right across the province and across the country.

This is a good step forward but more work is needed.  It’s not just about public housing. Government is working with partners on other housing projects and on growing the economy and making life more affordable so more Nova Scotians can buy their own homes.

Who is responsible for building these homes? And who operates them after construction?

Build Nova Scotia builds the homes and can answer questions about construction.

The Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency manages and operates them, once construction is complete.

Construction

How does Build Nova Scotia go about building this housing?

We work closely with industry. For example, we meet with on market capacity and how best to deliver the housing quickly.
We do in-depth analysis of each site to ensure that it can support the size of the project, it can be easily serviced and developed, and to identify any issues that could hinder development.
We use a tight project management process to keep projects on time and on budget. The project is reviewed after each step, to monitor progress, identify any issues or risks, update project timelines, and adjust project plans, if needed, before moving to the next step. This helps keep the project on time and on budget.

How are housing sites selected?

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.  

How long does it take from when a site is announced until people can move into their new home?

Everyone understands how quickly this housing is needed and works together to complete the projects as soon as possible. However, time must be taken to build the safe, comfortable and modern homes people deserve. 

Timelines depend on the project, influenced by factors including:

  • the condition of the site,
  • the size of the building,
  • the construction method,
  • the response to the public tenders, and 
  • availability of skilled workers and construction materials.
How do municipal zoning and other bylaws affect the province’s construction plans and timelines?

Build Nova Scotia works closely with municipalities in planning new housing. However, the provincial and federal governments have higher levels of authority than municipal governments. They can act outside of those bylaws and do so when it is in the public interest.

What standards are followed to make sure buildings are safe, accessible, and energy-efficient?

All housing projects must meet Nova Scotia’s building codes, the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act, and energy-efficiency standards.

Do you buy local?

Yes, we use local supplies and local workers, whenever possible.

How are contractors (designers, architects, builders, etc.) selected?

Generally, Build Nova Scotia posts public tenders and invites companies to bid. Bids are evaluated based on cost, experience, safety record and the ability to meet building and accessibility standards. This ensures open competition and helps select qualified companies who can finish projects on time and within budget.

Do you consult the communities before starting to build? 

Build Nova Scotia works closely with the municipalities, which represent the needs and interests of their communities. If a municipality feels additional meetings are needed, that can happen.  

Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

Who is allowed to live in public housing?

Public housing is available to low- and moderate-income Nova Scotians. Eligibility | Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

It could be a young family struggling to make ends meet. Or a senior who is trying to get by on a single- or reduced income.

Seniors make up 69 per cent of people living in public housing now, and another 25 per cent are families. Six per cent are couples or individuals.

How do I apply?

You can apply online, in person or by mail. Apply for Housing | Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency

How much does it cost to live in these homes?

Rent is based on income. No one pays more than 30 per cent of their gross income (before taxes). 
For more information about public housing: Nova Scotia Provincial Housing Agency