N.S., federal government will spend more than $300 million in joint funding for new homes

Nova Scotia announced the federal and provincial governments will spend more than $300 million to build new homes in Nova Scotia on Sunday.

Housing Minister John White and federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson said the funding will be used to build more 1,430 new homes during the announcement at Shannon Park Elementary School in Dartmouth. They said 930 homes will be built in that area.

Nova Scotia is one of the first provinces to agree to terms under the new federal Build Canada Homes agency, said a news release.

“There is no province better positioned than Nova Scotia to work with the federal government on Build Canada Homes,” said White.

The province will spend $180 million with the federal government contributing $120 million under the agreement.

Of the 930 units, 300 will be on provincial land and 630 on federal land that include both public and supportive housing. The provincial funding will also ensure “affordability for at least 10 years” and a new school is planned for the area, said the release.

The joint funding will also include 500 non-profit and community units across Nova Scotia.

The Halifax Regional Municipality will fast-track development and approval processes, reduce or wave development fees and provide property tax relief or other grant offerings in support of phase one of the Shannon Park project, subject to council approval, said the release.

“By combining federal and provincial resources, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of hundreds of homes at Shannon Park, but we’re also creating a community with schools, childcare and supports that families need to thrive,” said Robertson.

The project will be completed in phases over several years and is expected to begin in 2026.

Ottawa launched the Build Canada Homes federal agency with a mandate to increase the supply of affordable homes in Canada by working in partnership with non-profits, Indigenous organizations, private developers and all levels of government.

Nova Scotia has built 14,667 new units since releasing its housing plan in Oct. 2023.

“Conditions have been created to pave the way for another 54,174 units for a total of 68,841, well above the goal of 40,000 units by 2028,” said the release.

The 2025 rental market report from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) showed rent is rising faster in Halifax than the national average despite increased vacancy.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page