HRM's response to non-market housing needs is too narrow, too limited

Memo To: HRM Staff, Housing Accelerator

From: David Harrison, MCIP

Date: January 19, 2024

cc: Affirmative Ventures, Akoma Holdings, Adsum House, Affordable Housing Association of Nova Scotia, Old School House Gathering Society Suburban and Rural Councillors, Housing Nova Scotia and Darren Fisher, MP (Dartmouth-Cole Harbour)

Hello, you’ve asked for input from the public on changes being proposed, changes that are needed, or otherwise being initiated by the Housing Accelerator Fund, so here goes:

Non-market housing is needed right across HRM. Why is there a geographical bias inherent in HRM’s affordable housing grant program? Basing your affordable housing grant program (1) on funds collected from density bonus fees in the regional centre (2) on lengthy planning processes, or (3) in urban serviced areas only, is a poorly thought-out approach if the goal is to increase the amount of (desperately needed) non-market housing.

It is not surprising that limited funds have been collected in the interim density bonus program for suburban areas. And what about affordable housing needs in rural HRM?

What is being proposed for non-market housing is too narrow and too limited. If HRM wants to play a more substantive role in supporting the development of more non-market housing then I suggest (1) get to know your non-market housing needs (and opportunities) better by consulting with those groups who are trying to finance and build that housing, and (2) remove the geographical bias and adopt an HRM-wide approach to your grant program.

I don’t see much benefit in what’s being proposed here, given the planning and financing barriers which are the main issues facing non-market housing providers.