16 new public housing units to be built in Tusket, N.S.

Nova Scotia's provincial flag flies on a flagpole in Ottawa on June 30, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The Nova Scotia government announced on Friday new public housing units will soon be built in Tusket, N.S.

According to the announcement, the Municipality of Argyle will be building 16 new public housing units with the goal of supporting 50 people.

The apartments will be located on J.E. Hatfield Court and will have a patio or balcony, private entrance, energy-efficient appliances and heat pumps. At least two of the apartments will be fully accessible, and others can be made accessible if needed.

The municipality points out the site is close to Highway 103, schools, municipal offices, gas and convenience stores as well as other small businesses. The site is also a short drive to Yarmouth.

“This development will help ensure more residents can access housing in their own community, close to family services and opportunity. By working together with the Province, we’re turning shared priorities into real housing solutions that will strengthen our community for years to come,” said Nicole Albright, warden of the Municipality of Argyle in the announcement.

The government says tenants will not pay more than 30 per cent of their income, before taxes, on rent.

“Everyone deserves a safe, comfortable place to live, and I am pleased to see these homes coming to our community,” said Growth and Development Minister, Colton LeBlanc, in the announcement. “These new units will give residents one less thing to worry about, so they can focus on their work, their families or enjoying their retirement.”

Preliminary designs are now being worked on, with construction expected to start next year following a request for proposals.

The project is part of the provincial government’s five-year housing plan, with the government spending $251 million to build 515 new public housing units for more than 1,300 people across Nova Scotia.

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