Support Co-op Housing in the Nova Scotia Election

Published November 12, 2024

On November 26, Nova Scotia votes in the Provincial Election. 

More needs to be done to address housing challenges in Nova Scotia. Like most cities in Canada, the cost of housing has grown faster in Halifax than incomes in recent years. And renters in rural areas are feeling the squeeze. With over 7,000 households on the Nova Scotia waitlist for public housing, the growth of co-op and non-profit housing is essential to increase access to affordable and secure homes for those who need it. With no profit motivation, rents and housing charges in co-ops and non-profits only increase to account for costs, and there is no outside landlord who might sell, unduly raise rents or renovict.

Over 1,700 households live in 73 housing co-ops across the province. Housing co-ops are vibrant communities that provide secure and affordable homes to low- and moderate-income households. The Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association represents 80 housing providers across the province. A housing system that works for all Nova Scotians must include more non-profit and co-operative housing.

CHF Canada and the Nova Scotia Non-Profit Housing Association (NSNPHA) have three recommendations for the incoming government in order to grow and sustain co-op and non-profit housing across Nova Scotia

Recommendation #1: Build significantly more co-op and non-profit homes 

• Co-op and non-profit housing are key to increasing affordable housing in Nova Scotia. There is a resurgence of community housing growth and development, with new projects in Nova Scotia in recent years To scale up, we see the Province continuing to dedicate resources to new construction of non-profit and co-operative homes, including:
  • Continue and increase funding to the Affordable Housing Development Program
  • Dedicate additional resources to the Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund
  • Collaborate with federal and municipal governments on non-profit and co-op housing projects

Recommendation #2: Ensure dedicated, long-term rental assistance for low-income households living in non-profit and co-op homes

• When existing operating agreements ended, the Province of Nova Scotia switched to month-to-month or annual extensions on rent supplements for co-ops to administer. However, this extension on rent supplements is ending.
• Community housing providers want to provide individuals and families of all income levels with the security, vibrancy and stability of co-operative living, but their ability to do so depends on the availability of long-term, predictable rental assistance programs.
• A 10-year provincial rental assistance program would provide low-income households living in co-ops the critical support they need to live and afford at-cost housing . Co-ops want to continue to provide individuals and families of all income levels with the security, affordability and stability of co-operative living, but their ability to do so depends on the availability of long-term, predictable rental assistance programs.

Recommendation #3: Support rural affordable housing solutions

• Rural communities face unique housing needs, but also challenges in housing development, from limited infrastructure to higher construction costs and fewer contractors.
• Establishing a dedicated stream for rural communities within the Affordable Housing Development Program will allow these communities to access the tailored support they need to develop more non-profit and co-op homes.

Speak up for co-op and non-profit housing this election

1. When candidates come to your community, share these three recommendations. Share your experience living in a housing co-op or non-profit home, why you want more co-ops and non-profit housing to be built, and why rental assistance programs are important.
2. Share this post on social media or download a poster to share in your community.
3. Make a plan to vote.
4. Share your story. Housing co-ops and non-profit housing are making a difference for people in Nova Scotia. CHF Canada wants to help share your story so that candidates understand why it’s important to invest in co-op housing. Share your stories such as:

• • What living in a co-op has meant to you
  • Why you want more people to be able to live in a housing co-op
  • How your co-op is creating a vibrant and welcoming community
  • How you’ve benefited from programs like rental assistance 

Questions to ask your candidates:

• Will you work together with the non-profit and co-op housing sectors to be part of the solution to address our housing challenges?
• How will you build significantly more co-op and non-profit homes?
• Will you support dedicated long-term rental assistance programs for low-income households?
• How will you support affordable housing development in rural communities?