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100 New Public Housing Units Break Ground in Shannon Park as Part of Major Affordable Housing Push
A major step forward in Nova Scotia’s affordable housing strategy is underway, with construction beginning on 100 new public housing apartments in Shannon Park. The development is expected to provide safe, affordable homes for more than 300 people and marks the first phase of a broader housing plan announced jointly by provincial and federal governments last December.
Access to public housing is based on a rent-geared-to-income (RGI) model, where rent is calculated according to a household’s total income and composition. Under this model, most eligible households pay 30% of their total gross (before-tax) income toward rent, while households that include at least one adult and one dependent may qualify for a reduced rate of 25%.
Housing Minister John White emphasized the significance of the project, noting its role in shaping a vibrant, connected community.
“These homes will be part of an exciting new community development, close to schools, childcare, other homes and recreation,” said White.
Originally slated for construction on Old Beaver Bank Road in Lower Sackville, the project was relocated after further analysis revealed significant challenges at the initial site. Officials determined that development there would incur millions in unexpected costs and result in fewer housing units.
Despite the shift, housing development continues in Lower Sackville. A separate 22-unit apartment building is currently under construction on Old Beaver Bank Road and is expected to welcome tenants by spring 2027.
Our government continues to build record amounts of housing.
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) April 23, 2026
100 new public housing apartments will give more than 300 Nova Scotians a safe, affordable place to call home, with even more on the way as part of a plan to deliver 930 affordable homes.
We’re working with our… pic.twitter.com/7HfEoiJQUb
The Shannon Park project is part of a larger vision to deliver 930 affordable homes in the area. To support this ambitious goal, the Province has partnered with Build Canada Homes, securing $120 million in federal funding for housing initiatives across the Halifax Regional Municipality. Nova Scotia is among the first provinces to reach such an agreement, positioning it as a leader in accelerating affordable housing development.
The relocation also reflects responsiveness to local concerns. The original Sackville site is partially used by the Sackville NS Lions Club for parking and storage—space that would have been lost if construction had proceeded there.
Located approximately 15 kilometres from the original site, Shannon Park is now set to become a key hub in the region’s growing affordable housing network, offering not just homes, but a foundation for a thriving community.
Nova Scotia’s minimum wage increased to $16.75 per hour on April 1, fulfilling a commitment made by the Progressive Conservatives during the 2024 election campaign.
The increase is part of a broader plan to raise wages in a predictable way. A second increase is already scheduled for October 1, 2026, when the minimum wage will rise to $17 per hour. Both adjustments follow a formula set out in provincial regulations, tying increases to the consumer price index plus one per cent.
The previous minimum wage was $16.50 per hour. Since April 2021, the PC government has raised the minimum wage eight times—from $12.95—reflecting a steady upward trend across the province.
The increases are based on the unanimous recommendation of the Minimum Wage Review Committee, which includes representatives from both employees and employers.
In addition to raising the minimum wage, the provincial government points to a series of affordability measures aimed at supporting Nova Scotians and encouraging workforce participation.
These include cutting the HST and increasing the basic personal amount to $11,744 from $8,744—meaning every Nova Scotian can earn an additional $3,000 tax-free.
Other measures include making the Heating Assistance Rebate Program permanent at $400 annually, investing $1.7 billion through the government’s five-year housing plan, Our Homes, Action for Housing, increasing income assistance and indexing it to inflation, and expanding skills training and workforce development programs.
Nova Scotia’s small business community is showing renewed optimism, ranking second highest in the country for confidence, according to the latest Monthly Business Barometer released by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
The March 2026 report highlights a notable shift in sentiment among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with Nova Scotia emerging as one of the strongest-performing provinces in Canada. The CFIB’s Business Barometer is a widely followed indicator that measures business owners’ expectations for their performance over the next 12 months, with scores above 50 indicating optimism.
Strong showing despite national dip
Nationally, small business confidence declined in March, with the long-term index falling to 55.8 and the short-term outlook also weakening.
However, Nova Scotia stood out as a bright spot, maintaining relatively strong confidence compared to most other provinces. Provincial trends showed that while many regions experienced declines, Nova Scotia saw stable or slightly improved sentiment, helping it secure a top-tier ranking nationwide.
Atlantic resilience
The Atlantic region continues to demonstrate resilience, with Nova Scotia’s performance reflecting a broader trend of cautious optimism among local entrepreneurs. Earlier in 2026, confidence levels in Nova Scotia were already among the stronger in Canada, with business sentiment climbing alongside provinces like Quebec and New Brunswick.
Outlook
While uncertainty remains in the broader economic environment, Nova Scotia’s strong ranking signals confidence in future growth and stability. As CFIB’s latest data shows, Nova Scotia’s entrepreneurs are not just weathering current challenges—they are positioning themselves as among the most optimistic in the country heading into the year ahead.
The landscape of affordable housing in Pictou is seeing a significant shift as construction begins on a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, part of a broader provincial effort to increase long-term housing stability.
The announcement was made Friday by Marco MacLeod, MLA for Pictou West, on behalf of Housing Minister John White. The Beeches Road project, a partnership between the Province, the federal government, and the Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative, aims to provide a mix of market-rate and permanently affordable homes.
More housing is on the way for Pictou, and more residents will soon have a place to call home.
— Tim Houston (@TimHoustonNS) March 21, 2026
Our government is proud to support the construction of a new 27-unit development on Beeches Road, including 11 homes that will remain affordable permanently, helping provide long-term… pic.twitter.com/cm7LH49X0w
Stability Through Affordability
Of the 27 units currently under construction, 11 are designated as permanently affordable. This unique structure ensures that these homes remain accessible for generations, rather than expiring after a set number of years.
“Each new home strengthens our community, and these 27 units are more than a construction project – they are future homes for people in Pictou,” said Pictou West MLA MacLeod. “By working with our partners, we’re helping to give people a home where they can build their lives, raise their families, and stay connected to the community they love.”
The financial breakdown for the Beeches Road development includes:
- Federal Government: $9.4 million via the Affordable Housing Fund.
- Province of Nova Scotia: $1.639 million via the Affordable Housing Development Program.
- Tidal Bay Community Land Co-operative: $390,958.
Rent for the affordable units is set at $785 for one-bedroom, $912 for two-bedroom, and $1,140 for three-bedroom units. Notably, these rates are inclusive of electricity, heat, hot water, laundry, and parking.
Stonehouse Manor
The announcement also highlighted the completion of Stonehouse Manor, a 132-year-old historic municipal building in downtown Pictou that has been repurposed into 15 residential units.
The conversion, which is already fully occupied, provides 10 affordable units. This project was made possible through a $1 million provincial contribution, $1.3 million from the federal government, and $237,350 from the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council.
The dual announcements represent a multi-million dollar investment aimed at addressing the diverse housing needs of the North Shore, blending historic preservation with modern new builds.
