Nov 3, 2021 NOVA SCOTIA LEGISLATURE
On Tuesday, November 2 I asked the Minister about creating more affordable housing like the soon-to-be 65 unit complex, which will be owned by the #AffordableHousing Association of #Nova Scotia in #DartmouthNorth as well as what the government is willing to do about the sale of #OceanBreeze Village. below is our exchange:
SUSAN LEBLANC: Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Last week it was reported that the Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia would be buying a hotel in Dartmouth North – and I can table that. The building will be converted to supportive housing for 65 people. This is an example of the kind of action our caucus has been calling for – investment in non-profit housing, using existing buildings to provide rapid support for the people who are without appropriate housing. My question to the minister is: Will the minister provide financial support to protect existing supply by purchasing more existing buildings to convert to not-for-profit housing – affordable housing?
HON. KARLA MACFARLANE: Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for the question. We’re constantly in talks and negotiations with service providers across this whole province, looking at land and buildings that we can convert in order to ensure that we find permanent housing with wraparound services for individuals, whether they are homeless or not. Those discussions continue on a daily basis.
SUSAN LEBLANC: Mr. Speaker, we can add the following idea to that list of discussions. We know that the government plans to add 675 new units of housing; however, that is a drop in the bucket compared to the number of units we need. We know that 397 units are currently up for sale as part of Ocean Breeze Village in Dartmouth North. Acquiring buildings that are already built, to prevent them from being lost as affordable rentals, is an important strategy to maintain and increase affordable housing supply. My question to the minister is: What is the minister’s plan to ensure we don’t lose affordable housing units as private landlords and big developers take advantage of opportunities for profit?
THE PREMIER: Mr. Speaker, we’re well aware of that situation as well. What I would just say in the waning seconds of Question Period is that we’re committed to making sure we increase the housing supply.