news and resources
News
EXCITING NEWS — SURGARLOAF LAND GENEROUSLY DONATED TO AAHS
Construction at Appleseed Court, Phase 2 is fast paced in spite of the cold and snow.
APPLESEED CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Construction at Appleseed Court, Phase 2 is fast paced in spite of the cold and snow.
AAHS TAKING PART IN PROVINCIAL SUMMIT
Together, individuals from the private, social and non-profit housing sectors are seeking innovative housing solutions and actionable steps to improve access to affordable housing.
PROVINCE PARTNERS ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN ANTIGONISH
Investments from three levels of government mean there will soon be more safe, affordable and accessible places to live in Antigonish.
Social Media
Check our Facebook pages for promotion about events. AAHS invites supporters and community members to its annual general meeting held each June.
Learn More About Affordable Housing
This section provides links to a few partner organizations and information about affordable housing.
Nova Scotia defines housing as affordable if the rent is below the average market rent for a location. AAHS meets all of the NS Government’s markers to be given priority for funding:
- rents at least 20% below market rents (many of our rents are well below this percentage);
- offering affordable rents for more than 15 years (ours are in perpetuity);
- at least 4 affordable rental units (our current development is 17 apartments; our next will be at least 50);
- achieves higher-than-average social, economic or environmental outcomes (AAHS’s evaluations demonstrate that we achieve social, economic and environmental impacts);
- has financially viable construction and operation plans (all our ‘builds’ are financially viable);
- exceeds building code minimum standards for accessibility and energy efficiency (we use building codes as our starting point).
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, best known as CMHC, describes affordable housing primarily based on income. ”In Canada, housing is considered ‘affordable’ if it costs less than 30% of a household’s before-tax income.” Many housing cooperatives use an income definition.
Numerous Nova Scotian and Canadian strategies and analyses have been developed as Canada’s housing crisis worsens. The NS Housing for All Workgroup – on which AAHS was a member – released Keys to a Housing Secure Future for all Nova Scotians. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (which hosted the NS workgroup) released Out of Control Rents in September, 2024.
In 2023, the NS government released a 5-year housing strategy, Our Homes, Action for Housing. The Federal Government released Solving the housing crisis: Canada’s Housing Plan in 2024. The Government of Canada’s National Housing Strategy website is updated regularly.
AAHS is a founding member of the NS NonProfit Housing Association formed in 2023. The NSNPHA is becoming a sector voice to influence and increase affordable housing provincially.
AAHS is also a member of the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association. AAHS partners with, and has received funding from, the Community Housing Transformation Centre.
