Historic Investment in Affordable Housing
The Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have announced a significant collaborative partnership, committing a joint investment of up to $300 million to accelerate the development of 1,430 new affordable homes across the province. The announcement was made on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Shannon Park Elementary School in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
Federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure, Gregor Robertson, and Nova Scotia Housing Minister, John White, detailed the initiative, which aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing. This partnership marks Nova Scotia as one of the first provinces to agree to terms under the new federal Build Canada Homes agency, launched on September 14, 2025.
Funding Breakdown and Unit Allocation
The total $300 million commitment is split between the two levels of government: the Province of Nova Scotia will contribute $180 million, while the federal government, through Build Canada Homes, will provide $120 million.
The 1,430 new homes will be distributed as follows:
- 930 units are designated for the Shannon Park area in Dartmouth. Of these, 300 units will be built on provincial land, and 630 units on federal land. These units will encompass public and supportive housing, with provincial funding ensuring affordability for at least 10 years for the units on provincial land.
- An additional 500 non-profit and community units will be developed across Nova Scotia, with construction slated to begin within the next 12 months.
Strategic Development and Community Impact
The collaboration emphasizes a new approach to housing development, focusing on unlocking federal and provincial lands, streamlining approval processes, and implementing innovative construction methods to deliver homes more rapidly and cost-effectively. The 630 federal units in Shannon Park will be mixed-market, with a minimum of 40% offered below market value to accommodate moderate and median-income households. The 300 provincial units will specifically include supportive and transitional housing, alongside public housing options.
The project in Shannon Park is planned in phases, with construction anticipated to commence in 2026. In support of this large-scale development, the Halifax Regional Municipality has pledged to fast-track development and approval processes, and potentially reduce or waive municipal development fees and provide property tax relief, subject to council approval. Furthermore, a new school is also planned for the Shannon Park area, underscoring the comprehensive community development aspect of this initiative.
Addressing Nova Scotia's Housing Needs
Minister Robertson highlighted the partnership as a model for collaboration, stating that combining federal and provincial resources will not only accelerate housing delivery but also create communities with essential services like schools and childcare. Minister White affirmed Nova Scotia's strong position to work with the federal government on housing initiatives, citing the province's track record in delivering housing projects efficiently.
5 Comments
Donatello
Great to see federal and provincial governments working together for Nova Scotians. This partnership is a game changer.
Raphael
Construction starting in 2026? People need homes now, not years from now. Too slow.
Donatello
It's good to see a commitment to affordable housing, and the collaboration is a positive sign. However, 1,430 units is a drop in the bucket compared to the actual need across the province.
Michelangelo
Why only Dartmouth and 'across NS'? Other regions are struggling just as much, if not more.
Donatello
While the focus on supportive and below-market housing is welcome, the article doesn't clarify the income brackets for 'moderate and median-income households.' We need to ensure these homes truly reach those most in need, not just a slightly less affluent segment.