Membership Opportunity – Join Our Board!

Seeking Membership

The Housing Trust of Nova Scotia (the Housing Trust) is undergoing rapid growth and increasing its impact on households throughout Nova Scotia. To support that growth and director succession planning, we are seeking new members with high levels of expertise and experience in areas related to the real estate development and construction industries to join the 22 current members. Diversity and geographic representation are also important.    

Membership with the Housing Trust is an exciting and collaborative opportunity to advance solutions to the housing crisis and to make a difference in the lives of many Nova Scotians. Members take part in committees and are eligible for election to the Housing Trust’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meetings.  

The Housing Trust Introduction 

The Housing Trust has grown from one team member in 2022 when its first executive director joined the organization, to a team of twelve today. The team and members are united and driven by their commitment to our mission.  

The Housing Trust was created in 2009 to play a role in creating vibrant, diverse, and livable communities. Its primary mission is to provide affordable or attainable housing for low and moderate-income working households. We work in communities experiencing gentrification and increasing average rents, and in communities where there is an opportunity to provide community-based nonprofit housing as an option. Each of our buildings will offer a mix of affordable and closer-to-market rents to ensure the maximum number of affordable units while also achieving sustainability, facilitating growth, and maintaining quality homes.  

Our housing will serve people who serve their community but can’t afford to live in it – including custodians, health care workers, shelter staff, hotel workers, artists, cultural workers, new graduates,  

young professionals, restaurant workers, and many more. With a primary focus on housing for working households, our residents are diverse, including seniors and people living with disabilities. We also see the potential of working in close collaboration with other community-serving groups that provide support to priority groups, e.g., single fathers or mothers.    

Accelerated Impact  

In 2022 the Housing Trust pivoted from a new development strategy to an acquisition strategy to accelerate and maximize its impact. One June 30, 2022, it acquired five buildings comprised of 295 units. The buildings are from the 1960s – 1970s era and offer affordable rent structures compared to new buildings. The buildings require a great deal of investment (and expertise) over the coming three to five years due to their age and the amount of deferred capital expenditure.   

In 2023 the Housing Trust expanded its scope by partnering with Nova Scotia’s Municipal Affairs and Housing to place a minimum of 50 housing units across Nova Scotia for healthcare and other skilled workers. These homes will be an important part of helping communities retain a skilled workforce. In 2024 the program’s funding was increased to create over 100 units in communities like Lunenburg and Guysborough.   

The Housing Trust has set a target of acquiring 1000 units of affordable housing over the next five years, transitioning many units from the private sector to the community sector where their affordability will be protected, and building new partnership with government, community-based organizations, or the private sector throughout Nova Scotia.   

Differentiation  

Provision of housing only – bricks and mortar. 

Skill and expertise focus for members and directors.  

Development of in-house construction capacity with the longer-term goal of providing services and support to other non-profits.    

Board of Directors Succession Planning  

The Housing Trust’s Board of Directors is comprised of representatives from the for-profit real estate sector. The concentration of expertise and experience is regarded as an advantage and one that has facilitated our growth. In general, directors will be selected from the Membership and have experience on a Housing Trust committee.   

Five of the six founding board members remain on the Housing Trust’s board. Term limits were added to the bylaws in June 2023 with the option to grandfather founding members. The Housing Trust’s bylaws allow for not less than five or more than 15 directors.   

Skills and Expertise/Recruitment Plans  

The Board of Directors has endorsed a member recruitment plan to improve gender balance and include geographic representation with individuals with expertise and experience in the following areas:    

Development/construction management 

Real estate law 

Real estate finance 

Public relations/communications 

Green building 

Property management/accounting 

Architecture/engineering 

Government relations/advocacy 

Urban planning 

Governance 

Corporate social responsibility   

Program Funding   

Membership and Director Priority Recruitment Areas  

Individuals with skills and expertise in any of the areas listed above are invited to express their interest in membership.    

With major revitalization taking place at the five buildings in the Halifax Regional Municipality, the Building Committee is seeking members with experience in all aspects of building revitalization, including structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering.   

In addition to hands-on construction and retrofit experience, the Housing Trust could benefit this year with additional accounting and finance, public relations and communications, advocacy, and property management/accounting skills to help us achieve our goals.     

Member Expectations   

Membership  

Members are expected to attend the Annual General Meeting, participate in at least one committee, or be available for consultation as required. Committee meetings are primarily virtual. Members should anticipate a time commitment of eight hours per month, outside of any travel required.  

The Housing Trust’s active committees include: 

  • Modular – focusing on the implementation and compliance with a $45M contribution agreement to build and operate at least fifty units of housing across the province for healthcare workers.

  • Building – addressing the known and emerging issues with the renovation and revitalization of the five apartment buildings in the HRM, representing a budget of over $20M, and ensuring quality new builds.

  • Opportunities – exploring and advancing finance and funding opportunities, aligning options with budgets and cashflows, and leads on acquisition.

  • Finance & Audit – monitor finance and accounting, reporting to and advising the Board of Directors.   

  • Property Strategies – support HTNS’ engagement with residents and connections with the external property management firm.   

Board of Directors  

The Housing Trust Board of Directors are expected to attend in-person quarterly meetings, and virtual meetings as required and take part in at least one committee. Availability on short notice for virtual board meetings can be required.   

Directors are elected for a one-year term, resigning just prior to the Annual General Meeting where they can be reelected. Term limits are in place and members are expected to commit to at least three years.   

Directors (and members) are also required to sign a conflict-of-interest declaration and confidentiality agreement.  

Process   

If you are interested in being considered for membership or a director role with the Housing Trust, please respond with your resume and cover letter to executivedirector@housingtrust.ca, expressing why the role is of interest to you and how you can help advance the Housing Trust’s goals and objectives. Expressions of interest must be received by March 20, 2025.  

Short-listed candidates will be interviewed and can ask questions about the Housing Trust, its committees, and the Board of Directors. References may be requested. Members are volunteers and unpaid.