New Affordable Rental Housing Goes Green in Halifax

Halifax residents will soon be moving into new, affordable, energy-efficient homes in Fairview. Twenty-three units of affordable rental housing have been built at 37 Main Ave., through the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program Agreement.

Judy Streatch, Minister of Community Services, and Gerald Keddy, member of Parliament, on behalf of Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development, opened the rental housing today, March 24.

"Jacob's Manor is a showpiece in affordable housing," said Ms. Streatch. "A lot of thought has gone into designing good quality housing that the community can be proud of. It is a great example of how we can create new housing that is both affordable and energy efficient."

The building meets R-2000 standards and has many energy-efficient features such as compact florescent bulbs, front-loading washing machines, fibreglass windows and a geothermal heating and cooling system. The units are heated, cooled and provided with hot water by an advanced geothermal heat system, which draws energy from the ground. The building also has a number of environmentally friendly features including flooring made of 66 per cent recycled materials.

"I am proud to be here today to participate in the official opening of Jacob's Manor, which has been built as a green, energy-efficient building," said Mr. Keddy. "By investing in this housing project with Nova Scotia, Canada's government is ensuring there is quality, affordable housing available for individuals, families and seniors in Halifax."

Through the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program Agreement, the federal government provided $575,000 in capital and Community Services is providing $182,000 in rent-supplement funding. The Department of Energy provided $18,000 to design an energy-efficient heating system.

The four-story building includes seven studio, one two-bedroom and 15 one-bedroom units. The building has an elevator and two wheelchair-accessible units. All units are accessible to visitors with mobility challenges.

The building has been named Jacob's Manor in memory of the late Jacob Ghosn. Mr. Ghosn is the father of Cristine Kahil and Jasmine and Peter Ghosn, who run the family business Rockingstone Developments Incorporated.

"Everyone should have an opportunity to live in homes that are accessible, energy efficient and environmentally friendly," said Cristine Kahil, president of Rockingstone Developments Incorporated. "We really wanted to show people the possibilities with the next generation of affordable housing.

"I think our father would be really proud of what we have been able to accomplish. The gift of his land has resulted in homes that are affordable for people in this community."

By March 2009, the federal government, the province and its partners will commit $56.2 million through the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement for the construction or renovation of affordable housing in the province.

Information on the Canada-Nova Scotia Affordable Housing agreement is available at local housing services offices or on the Department of Community Services website at www.gov.ns.ca/coms or at www.CMHC.ca .