Federal Government Invests $61.2 Million for Housing in Nova Scotia

The federal government of Canada has pledged $61.2 million to the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust to develop 136 co-operative housing units in the historic African Nova Scotian community. The funding announcement was made on March 15, 2024. All housing units will be constructed at 195 Equestrian Lane, with the first block set to open in the autumn of 2025, according to Curtis Whiley, the land trust’s president and founder.

“Our community has faced generations of dispossession and systemic barriers that prevent us from being able to create opportunities like this one,” said Whiley. He expressed pride in the community-driven initiative stating, “It is profound that we were able to generate this project through a volunteer-led board.”

This investment marks the largest federal commitment to new cooperative housing in Canada in the past 30 years. Local Member of Parliament Braedon Clark highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “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.”

Commitment to Community and Accessibility

The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust, established in 2022, aims to provide affordable housing options while safeguarding the cultural heritage of African Nova Scotians through community-based land ownership. Out of the planned 136 units, 29 accessible units will be included in the project, emphasizing the commitment to inclusivity.

The project is anticipated to be completed by 2027. Whiley expressed hope that this initiative would inspire other communities, saying, “We are just so excited for other communities to see that this is possible.”

The establishment of this land trust and the associated funding reflects a broader effort to address the housing crisis and the historical injustices faced by African Nova Scotians. As the project progresses, it aims not only to meet housing needs but also to foster a sense of community and cultural pride.

This initiative represents a significant step towards rectifying long-standing issues related to housing and cultural preservation in the region. The Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is poised to become a model for similar projects across Canada and beyond, demonstrating the power of community-led efforts in addressing systemic challenges.