More homes, a more resilient Nova Scotia: 2025-26 Budget Update

Published March 27, 2025

The Government of Nova Scotia recently tabled the 2025-2026 budget, with a focus on strengthening economic resilience, making life more affordable, and investing in safe and healthy communities. 

This budget includes $73.9 million to provide 8,900 rent supplements to Nova Scotians, which is 400 more rent supplements than last year. While this increase signals progress, it falls short of what is needed to create stable, affordable homes accessible to low-income households. As we celebrate new housing investments, the co-op sector will continue to advance our Homes within Reach campaign to keep co-op communities inclusive.  

Additional new investments in housing include: 

• $15.8 million provincial funding for new construction costs to leverage federal funding 

• $88 million to build, renovate and maintain public housing  – the first new public housing building funds in more than 20 years – including additional funding for repairs and renovations that co-ops are eligible for. 

• Provincial HST rebate on new purpose-built rental housing, including co-op housing.  

• $5 million increase, for a total of $10 million this year, for post-secondary student housing 

• $24.8 million increase to transition people with disabilities from large institutions, like residential care facilities and long-term care homes, into the community of their choice  

Research shows that investments in housing boosts economic productivity. In 2024, housing starts in Nova Scotia reached 7,381 units—the highest level since 1986—with multiple unit dwellings hitting records not seen since 1955. This surge, driven by sustained population growth and high demand for housing, sets a promising backdrop for new housing development projects. This must include co-op and non-profit housing; we are pleased to see provincial funding announced to leverage existing federal funds, such as the Co-operative Housing Development Program.  

“Building more co-op housing will help support the province toward meaningful, inclusive economic growth. While we commend the additional funding for rental assistance, we remain steadfast in our advocacy for long-term support to ensure co-op homes stay truly within reach for all Nova Scotians.”  

– Allison Ferris, Atlantic Regional Manager, CHF Canada