On November 26th, 2024, Nova Scotians head to the polls. Housing and homelessness are key issues facing our communities. During the campaign, consider asking candidates what actions they will take to address housing and homelessness, if elected.
Learn more about housing and homelessness, and opportunities for the provincial government to take action in our Housing is a Provincial Election Issue fact sheet.
Census of Canada data allows communities to monitor trends over time. The South Shore Housing Action Coalition has been tracking household, income and housing related census data indicators from 2006 to 2021. The Lunenburg and Queens Counties Households, Income & Housing: Census Highlights 2006 to 2021 report tracks various data points from 2006 to 2021, for each county, and municipality in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
It is through strong leadership and a commitment to collaboration, that we may work together to take action on issues in our communities.
Since 2010 SSHAC has been building awareness and facilitating action on the need for healthy, safe and affordable housing options in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. Recognizing the importance of housing for the residents of their communities each of the 6 municipal units representing our communities are committed members of our coalition.
During this campaign, we are continuing to bring attention to housing as a concern in our communities and the opportunities which exist for municipal governments to take action.
Learn more about the municipal role in housing, and the various housing needs of our communities from the resources shared here:
The long-anticipated Nova Scotia Housing Need Reports were released in October 2023. We are pleased to be sharing the Provincial Report, including the key findings, as well as reports for the municipalities in Lunenburg and Queens Counties.
Announced by the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in March 2023, the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) will provide incentive funding (contributions) to local governments to encourage local initiatives that remove barriers to housing supply, accelerate the growth of supply and support the development of complete, low-carbon and climate-resilient communities which are affordable, inclusive, equitable and diverse.
The HAF is expected to result in permits being issued for 100,000 more housing units across Canada. Local governments within Canada, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments who have delegated authority over land use planning and development approvals were eligible to apply to the HAF
There were two streams of funding within the HAF:
More information about the HAF is available here: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs/all-funding-programs/housing-accelerator-fund.
A brief overview of the applications submitted by municipal units in Lunenburg County is presented below. To date (March 2024) there have been no announcements of funding from the HAF applications submitted by local municipalities. In total, HAF applications from Lunenburg County sought funding of nearly $43 million dollars, which would represent a significant investment in our region, aimed at addressing housing related issues.
The 2023 Short-Term Rental Status Report provides a snapshot of the short-term rental market for each of the municipal units across Lunenburg and Queens Counties Nova Scotia.
SSHAC Submission to the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission
SSHAC provided input during the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission’s (NSAHC) engagement process this spring. You can read our submission here
The NSAHC has released their recommendations based on what they heard from community throughout their engagement process. You can read the report and recommendations here: https://nsaffordablehousingcommission.ca/getinvolved/news_feed/government-to-evaluate-affordable-housing-commission-report-recommendations
The South Shore Housing Action Coalition was invited to participate in the February 25th meeting of the Provincial Standing Legislative Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development. We took this opportunity to raise concerns about rural housing realities and offer some opportunities for action. If you are interested, you will find the video of the meeting, and our written submission to the Committee below.
News Coverage of Committee Proceedings:
Province told that rural N.S. has ‘affordable housing crisis’
N.S. ignores affordable housing lessons provided by other jurisdictions, prof says
Rural N.S. in housing crisis but shut out of decision-making, South Shore woman says
Municipal elections are happening on October 17th across Nova Scotia this year. Access to healthy, safe and affordable housing options for all members of our communities is a growing challenge. Municipal governments can take action to support the development of affordable housing options and advocate for housing resources.
SSHAC has pulled together a short briefing on housing, which may help start a conversation about what is needed here, now.
If you have a chance to speak with a candidate directly, or participate in a candidate forum, consider raising housing as a concern!
South Shore Housing Action Coalition 