3.1-million Investment in Halifax Housing Co-op Announced

Community Services

Published Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Hundreds of people living in co-operative housing in Halifax will soon have updated, more energy-efficient homes thanks to a $3.1-million investment from the provincial and federal governments.

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse, and MP Scott Armstrong, on behalf of Diane Finley, Minister responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), made the announcement in Halifax.

Quotes

Co-ops provide a valuable form of affordable housing in Nova Scotia. These renovation and retrofit projects will improve the quality of life for residents by keeping their homes safe and affordable. We are happy to be able to support them and make life better for the families living in co-op communities.Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse

Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, government is committed to making communities stronger through projects like this one. These investments in local infrastructure will help create new jobs and stimulate the local economy. This includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure that many families need.MP Scott Armstrong

We really appreciate the help and support government has given us to fix up our homes.Margaret Brown, a long-time resident of the co-op

This $3.1-million investment in co-operative housing is an excellent example of stimulus funding that works. The amalgamated housing co-op will get needed upgrades and repairs, the individuals and families who live there will benefit, and the community will keep secure and energy efficient housing.Karla Skoutajan, director, sector development, Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada

Quick Facts

  • One-hundred and thirty-one north-end Halifax units will have roofs, windows, doors and bathrooms renovated.
  • The funds were given to the North End United Housing Co-operative Limited, the province's newest and largest housing co-op. It was created by the merger of Anathoth Housing Co-operative, Charles Court Housing Co-operative, Jim MacDonald Housing Co-operative, and Seaview Housing Co-operative.
  • The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to investment under the Canada–Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal funds are from Canada's Economic Action plan.
  • Under the Affordable Housing Program, more than 1,200 affordable housing units have been created or preserved in Nova Scotia.

Learn More

Media Contacts

Kristen Tynes
Community Services
902-424-4038
E-mail:
Giselle Thibault
CMHC
902-426-8320
E-mail:

Images

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse speaks with MP Scott Armstrong (middle) and Ken Elliott, president of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada.
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Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse shares a moment with Margaret Brown, one of the residents who will benefit from the more than $3-million investment in co-op housing in north end Halifax.
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Videos

Ken Elliott, president of Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse
Co-op resident Margaret Brown
Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse talks about making a difference

Audio

Community Services Minister Denise Peterson-Rafuse says Co-ops provide a valuable form of affordable housing in the province.
Margaret Brown, a long-time resident of the Halifax Co-op, is relieved to see her home is being fixed up.
Ken Elliott, president of Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada, says the investment is an example of stimulus funding that works.