Seniors and people with disabilities are looking for more options for affordable and accessible housing in the Windsor area. That’s why the province has transferred more than 9.3 hectares (23 acres) of unused land to Dykeland Lodge.
Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chuck Porter announced today, Feb. 1, that the vacant property on College Road has been sold for $1 to the lodge to support its proposal to build a new facility that includes community housing.
“We know that finding affordable housing has become difficult and that’s especially true for vulnerable Nova Scotians,” said Mr. Porter. “There is no one organization or answer that can fully address this situation. By making this land available, we are supporting Dykeland Lodge as they pursue new opportunities to increase affordable and accessible housing.”
Dykeland Lodge is a government-funded not-for-profit long-term care facility that is home to 111 seniors receiving ongoing long-term care.
The land is valued at just over $60,000 and had no other proposed uses.
Quotes:
“We need a strategy for our area that plans for an increased demand for community support as our population in Nova Scotia ages. This collaborative model creates affordable and accessible housing for seniors and persons with disabilities, outreach programs to support caregivers and elders and a social enterprise model that provides rural economic development for our communities.” Krista Beeler, administrator, Dykeland Lodge
Quick Facts:
- the Nova Scotia Affordable Housing Commission is currently looking at sustainable, long-term recommendations for affordable housing
- government is investing $513 million over 10 years in affordable housing projects and programs
- more than 2,500 households currently receive a rent supplement
- the recently announced Targeted Housing Benefit will help up to 1,700 households across the province
Additional Resources:
Housing Action Plan:
https://housing.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/NS_Housing_Action_Plan_2019.pdf
Dykeland Lodge: https://www.dykelandlodge.ca/