About Housing for Healthcare

In March 2023, the Housing Trust of Nova Scotia entered a $20M partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia to build and operate housing designated for healthcare and other skilled workers. In March 2024, the Government of Nova Scotia increased funding to $45M to build at least one hundred and twelve units.

The initiative addresses two pressing social issues, the lack of housing for healthcare workers and the shortage of affordable housing. Based on household income, some households will be eligible for a contribution/reduction in their monthly rent.

The Housing Trust will implement its mixed-income model at each location and work with local healthcare organizations to reach eligible residents. Each site will be developed with retention in mind to support healthcare workers’ integration and permanent settlement in communities. 

Development is underway in Lunenburg, Guysborough, Bridgewater, and Canso and other locations will be announced as they are confirmed. Through another program, the Housing Trust also has four three-bedroom units designated for healthcare units in Port Hawkesbury that are currently rented

Why Modular Housing?

Sustainability
Modular construction offers several environmental benefits, including reducing job site waste, minimizing waste material to landfill, and reducing transportation emissions.

Savings
While design fees and initial startup costs can potentially be higher, modular construction often saves costs overall with reduced build time, lower project and contract management fees, and lower labor costs.

Time Efficiency
Modular construction can shorten project timelines as there are efficiencies from working within a factory line. It also allows for construction and site work to happen simultaneously.

Quality Control
Fabricating modules in a factory can lead to better quality control, fewer defects, and reduce the impact of weather and other environmental factors, leading to better finishes and construction standards. Sequencing and staging of construction can occur differently than traditional on-site construction and can improve the quality of construction.

Safety
Working in a factory is often safer for workers than being on a construction site. The controlled environment means fewer accidents due to weather and working at heights. It can also reduce the amount of travel time for workers to remote locations.