“Province Invests $8.7M in Dartmouth Affordable Housing”

The province has allocated a substantial amount of funds towards a fresh housing initiative in Dartmouth led by a private developer, aiming to establish nearly 60 affordable housing units.
In an announcement made on Thursday, the Progressive Conservative government disclosed an investment of $8.7 million for Richburg LP Management Inc. under its Affordable Housing Development Program. The funding is designated for a 96-unit complex situated on Brule Street in north-end Dartmouth.
Minister of Growth and Development, Colton LeBlanc, revealed that 58 of the units will be maintained at approximately 68% of the average market rent for the next 30 years, translating to roughly $750 for a one-bedroom apartment.
LeBlanc emphasized the government’s commitment to expediting housing initiatives, noting the concerted efforts made over recent years to tackle the pressing housing issues in the province. He acknowledged the progress achieved while recognizing the ongoing need for further advancements.
The development at 22 Brule St. marks the initial construction phase, with work also commencing on another building at 24 Brule St. as part of the broader project.
Richard Homburg, the director of Richburg and head of Homburg Rentals, detailed the project at 22 Brule St. on the company’s website, highlighting a range of one-bedroom and studio units catering to seniors, singles, and couples.
To facilitate the project’s approval, Municipal Affairs Minister John Lohr designated the area as an “interim planning area” to bypass the standard Halifax Regional Municipality process due to the unique unit mix proposed by the developer.
Opposition Leader Claudia Chender stressed the importance of offering multi-bedroom options to cater to individuals, especially those seeking refuge from hazardous situations with children, amid the province’s declaration of an intimate-partner violence epidemic.
While there were delays in the project, attributed by Lohr to HRM’s failure to implement essential planning requirements by a specified deadline, Halifax council had actually ratified those requirements as part of the updated regional plan earlier.
Lohr’s decision to reject the regional plan was motivated by concerns regarding new mandates for electric-vehicle chargers and increased setbacks around water bodies and wetlands, issues raised by the construction sector.
The ongoing dispute between the province and Halifax regarding the regional plan’s rejection has implications for numerous housing units, prompting collaborative efforts to finalize a new plan by year-end.