Community members were part of the groundbreaking Saturday for a new, 136-unit affordable housing co-op in Upper Hammonds Plains. Photo by FacebookArticle contentA new housing co-op in Upper Hammonds Plains will see 136 new affordable homes built over the next year and a half.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentA groundbreaking ceremony was held at the property at 195 Equestrian Lane Saturday afternoon. The project, which includes 29 accessible units, has received $61 million in federal funding, and will be called the Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative. It is designed to preserve and strengthen African Nova Scotian culture and heritage while providing safe, affordable housing, the government said in a release.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“The federal government has a strong role to play in building non-market housing to provide more affordable housing options for Canadians, and this includes co-operative housing,” Sackville-Bedford-Preston MP Braeden Clark said in the release. “This project shows how co-ops can provide affordable, inclusive, and sustainable homes that respond directly to local needs.Article contentConstruction is expected to be done by spring 2027.Article content“This groundbreaking shows what grassroots, community-led organizing can do: deliver transformational projects and non-market homes that stay affordable for generations, insulated from market turbulence,” said Curtis Whiley, the president of the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land TrustArticle contentThe funding comes from the Co-operative Housing Development Program , a $1.5-billion federal program for new co-op housing development. The program supports the creation of co-op homes that are more affordable than private market rentals, and provide options for middle-income households.Article content“The Upper Hammonds Plains Housing Co-operative is a powerful example of what’s possible when governments, builders, and communities come together with shared purpose, HRM Mayor Andy Fillmore said in the release. “For generations, African Nova Scotian communities like Upper Hammonds Plains have shaped Halifax’s history, resilience, and identity. This project… honours that legacy while supporting the families who will soon call this place home.”Article content
New housing co-op in Upper Hammonds Plains bringing 136 affordable units
