Federal Government Allocates $61.2M for Housing in African Nova Scotia

The federal government has announced a significant investment of $61.2 million for the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust. This funding will facilitate the construction of 136 co-op housing units in Upper Hammonds Plains, a community with deep historical ties to African Nova Scotians. The project is set to begin at 195 Equestrian Lane, with the first housing block expected to open in the fall of 2024.

Curtis Whiley, president and founder of the land trust, expressed the importance of this initiative. “Our community has faced generations of dispossession and systemic barriers that prevent us from being able to create opportunities like this one,” he stated. “It is profound that we were able to generate this project through a volunteer-led board.” This funding marks the largest federal investment in new co-op housing in three decades, according to local Member of Parliament Braedon Clark.

Significance of the Project

The project aims to address the urgent need for affordable housing in the region while also preserving the rich culture and heritage of the African Nova Scotian community. Clark emphasized that “the project will provide much-needed affordable housing while also preserving the rich culture and heritage of African Nova Scotians in Upper Hammonds Plains and across this province and this country.”

Established in 2022, the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to community-based land ownership and affordable housing solutions. The upcoming development will include 29 accessible units, ensuring that the housing is inclusive and meets diverse community needs. The entire project is anticipated to be completed by 2027.

Whiley expressed hope that this initiative could serve as a blueprint for other communities, stating, “We are just so excited for other communities to see that this is possible.” The funding not only represents a financial commitment but also a step toward addressing long-standing inequities faced by the African Nova Scotian community.

This development reflects a growing recognition of the importance of supporting marginalized communities in Canada. The investment is seen not only as a means to provide housing but also as an opportunity to uplift and empower a community that has historically faced significant challenges. The construction of these units is expected to contribute positively to the local economy and strengthen community ties.

As the project progresses, it will be closely watched as a potential model for similar initiatives across the country, demonstrating the impact of community-led solutions in tackling housing shortages and fostering cultural preservation.