Nova Scotia has created a new Crown agency that will be responsible for affordable housing in the province.

“Nova Scotians deserve affordable housing options that provide a strong foundation for their families to grow,” says Premier Darrell Dexter. “Today, the province takes a step closer to making life better for families and creating more vibrant and affordable communities with the launch of Housing Nova Scotia.”

The NDP government made the announcement at the site of its first project – the $100 million redevelopment of the former Bloomfield school and community centre, which will include more than 400 homes, ranging from townhouses to mid-rises, for people and families from mixed incomes and backgrounds. It will also have 20,000 square feet of community and cultural space.

“The success of projects like this will attract young people to stay, newcomers to put down roots here and help establish businesses that meet a growing community’s needs,” says Finance Minister Maureen MacDonald.

The goal of the provincial agency, formerly the Nova Scotia Housing Development Corp., is to ensure all Nova Scotians can find suitable and affordable housing in a community where they have access to necessary services and supports.

Housing Nova Scotia will reinvest profits into creating affordable housing and related programs. For example, it will develop some housing to sell or rent at market rates, and use profits to lower rent and costs for other Nova Scotians.