Affordable Housing Expansion Underway in Pictou

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.

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.