The Nova Scotia and federal governments are investing $300 million to build 1,430 homes across the Maritime province.

About two-thirds (930) of the homes will be located at Shannon Park in Dartmouth, N.S., with work slated to begin soon. The area is home to an elementary school. A new elementary school will be constructed in the area.

Nova Scotia Housing Minister John White and federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson announced investment. Construction is expected to proceed in phases over several years, with shovels in the ground anticipated in 2026.

“There is no province better positioned than Nova Scotia to work with the federal government on Build Canada Homes,” said Robertson, referring to Ottawa’s new homebuilding program designed to invest billions in thousands of homes.

Nova Scotia is among the first provinces to reach an agreement under the federal Build Canada Homes agency.

“Our government has a proven track record and strong success in delivering housing projects, faster,” said White. “With barriers removed and the construction sector built up, we are ready to get to work to build homes for people and families.”

At the Shannon Park site, 300 homes will be located on provincial land and 630 on federal land, comprising public and supportive housing. Provincial funding will ensure affordability for at least 10 years, according to a Nova Scotia government news release. An additional 500 units of non-profit and community housing will be built across the province.

To support and accelerate development at Shannon Park, the Halifax Regional Municipality will fast-track development approvals and, subject to council approval, may reduce or waive municipal development fees, provide property-tax relief, or offer other grants for Phase 1 of the project.

“This partnership between the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together to tackle the housing crisis head-on,” said Robertson. “By combining federal and provincial resources, we’re not only accelerating the delivery of hundreds of homes at Shannon Park, but we’re also creating a community with schools, child care and supports that families need to thrive. This is a model for collaboration that will make life more affordable and strengthen communities across Nova Scotia.”

Under the agreement, the province is contributing $180 million and the federal government $120 million. Build Canada Homes is tasked with scaling up affordable housing supply by leveraging public lands, deploying flexible financial tools, and supporting modern construction methods. Since Nova Scotia’s housing plan was released in October 2023, 14,667 new housing units have been created or are in progress, with conditions in place to enable another 54,174 units, for a total of 68,841 units—well above the province’s goal of 40,000 units by 2028.

Pictured: Shannon Park site in Dartmouth, N.S.

Photo: Province of Nova Scotia