Nova Scotia announces new affordable housing projects in Pictou

The Pictou Beeches project will provide a mix of affordable and market rate units; affordable rents will be $785 for a one-bedroom unit, $912 for a two-bedroom unit and $1,140 for a three-bedroom unit. All include electricity, hot water, heat, parking and in-suite laundry. (Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative)

Nova Scotia has announced construction is underway on a 27-unit housing development on Beeches Road in Pictou.

Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, made the announcement Friday saying, “Each new home strengthens our community.”

“These 27 units are more than a construction project – they are future homes for people in Pictou. By working with our partners, we’re helping to give people a home where they can build their lives, raise their families, and stay connected to the community they love,” he added.

According to a news release from the province, the Pictou Beeches project will include 11 homes that will be a mix of affordable and market rate units. Affordable rents will be $785 for a one-bedroom unit, $912 for a two-bedroom unit and $1,140 for a three-bedroom unit. All units will include electricity, hot water, heat, parking and in-suite laundry.

The province is contributing $1.639 million to the project through the Affordable Housing Development Program. Another $9.4 million will be provided by the federal government through the Affordable Housing Fund while Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative is contributing $390,958.

“The Beeches Road project reflects exactly why Tidal Bay was created – to ensure Nova Scotians have access to stable, community rooted homes that remain affordable for generations,” said Dion Whyte, Vice-President of the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative, in the release. “By combining long term stewardship with high quality, sustainable design, we’re building not just housing, but a foundation for stronger, healthier communities.”

Stonehouse Manor

The province also announced funding for Stonehouse Manor, a housing project happening at a former municipal building in downtown Pictou.

According to the release, the 132-year-old historic building was converted into 15 residential units offering a mix of one and two-bedroom units, 10 of which are affordable. The units are complete and fully occupied.

The province contributed $1 million under the Affordable Housing Development Program, while the federal government contributed $1.3 million through the Affordable Housing Fund and the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council gave $237,350.

“The Nova Scotia Co-operative Council remains committed to working hand in hand with our federal, provincial, municipal and community partners to keep delivering affordable housing solutions to Pictou and communities across Nova Scotia,” said Jeff Yuill, CEO of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council, in the release. “Together, we’ll continue addressing housing shortages and building stronger, more inclusive communities for the long term, while keeping in mind the value in protecting our community landmarks.”

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