Let's Talk Affordable Housing!

Many inter-connected factors impact the supply for affordable housing, such as population growth, the availability of land, vacancy rate in the rental market, costs of construction, and attitudes (i.e. Not in My Back Yard). In recent years, Nova Scotia has enjoy strong economic and population growth, but residential construction has not kept pace with the demand for housing. Keeping these factors in mind, please share your ideas for solutions that could increase the range of affordable housing options for Nova Scotians with low-to moderate-incomes. Take a look at other ideas as well and indicate your support or provide constructive feedback. 

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Defining Affordable Housing
• Innovative Housing Models
• Rental options for low-income older adults
• Sustainable non-profit sector
• Submit a recommendation

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy.

According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, a household is considered to be in core housing need if its housing falls below at least one of the adequacy, affordability or suitability, standards and it would have to spend 30% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of alternative local housing that meets all three housing standards: housing that doesn’t need any major repairs as reported by residents is adequate housing; suitable housing makes sure that there are enough bedrooms for the size and make-up of resident households; and housing that has shelter costs equal to or less than 30% of total before-tax household income is affordable housing.

Do you agree with this definition? If not, what other factors should be considered when assessing whether housing is affordable, suitable, and adequate for Nova Scotians? What level of affordability should be achieved for new construction projects to be eligible for public funding?

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Creating affordable housing
• Innovative Housing Models
• Rental options for low-income older adults
• Sustainable non-profit sector
• Submit a recommendation

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy.

The Commission is interested in creative ideas to that can rapidly increase the supply of housing that meet the various needs of Nova Scotians. Do you have any creative ideas to make better use of existing homes, surplus schools or other buildings, or new construction methods, that can boost the provision of new rental housing? Are there innovative models that can achieve financial sustainability while ensuring that households in the lowest income deciles can afford the rent? Are you aware of innovative partnerships between the private sector and non-profit housing providers that has achieved positive social outcomes?

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Creating affordable housing
• Defining Affordable Housing
• Rental options for low-income older adults
• Sustainable non-profit sector
• Submit a recommendation

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy. 

There is a need to increase the supply of housing for seniors, as well as various options that consider the health needs and income of older adults. The type of affordable housing we build is important depending on these factors. While interesting affordable housing models are emerging in other jurisdictions, there is a need to increase awareness of evidence-based best practices and housing models for seniors in Nova Scotia. 

Please share your ideas about how can all levels of government encourage, promote, or increase housing options that meet the needs of older adults and persons with disabilities in both urban and rural settings. How can all levels of government and housing developers encourage and promote inclusion of age-friendly principles into future residential development and urban planning policies? Are there any specific housing models or age-friendly communities in other parts of the world that we should examine further and adapt in Nova Scotia?

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Creating affordable housing
• Defining Affordable Housing
• Innovative Housing Models
• Sustainable non-profit sector
• Submit a recommendation

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy.

The community housing sector, which includes housing co-operatives and non-market housing providers, plays a critical role in providing deep affordable housing to address the needs of the most vulnerable Nova Scotians. In many jurisdictions, the non-profit sector has proven very effective at increasing and maintaining a healthy provision of affordable homes and keep them affordable to perpetuity. While our non-profit housing organizations have a long track-record of providing quality housing and support to their tenants, there has been very little in terms of new supply of non-market housing in recent years. Moreover, many of these organizations struggle to achieve the level of sustainability required to ensure long term affordability of their units while growing their portfolio. 

If you are aware of best practices and evidence-based solutions that could help strengthen the capacity of our non-profit housing sector, please share your ideas below. 

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Creating affordable housing
• Defining Affordable Housing
• Innovative Housing Models
• Rental options for low-income older adults
• Submit a recommendation

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy.

Based on your experience and knowledge, what is the most impactful action the commission should considered in its report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to increase the supply of, and access to affordable housing? If you could only pick one recommendation, what would it be? Briefly explain why you think this is the most important action. 

Don't forget to check out some of our other idea boards if you haven't already.

• Creating affordable housing
• Defining Affordable Housing
• Innovative Housing Models
• Rental options for low-income older adults
• Sustainable non-profit sector

All comments will be monitored and can be removed if they are not relevant to the main theme, contain inappropriate language, or are not in compliance with the moderation policy.