To create affordable housing in Halifax we need both immediate action and long-term planning. By collaborating with provincial and federal governments through joint planning and policy development, Halifax can ensure housing solutions are not just theoretical but actionable.
Joint Planning and Policy Development
A housing-focused joint planning committee—similar to the Joint Regional Transportation Committee—is a crucial first step. This committee would bring together representatives from all levels of government to cut through red tape, coordinate on regulatory changes, and align efforts with broader federal and provincial housing strategies.
But this committee can’t just focus on long-term policies. It also needs to identify immediate opportunities to create affordable housing using existing assets. For example, the committee could work with the provincial government to convert vacant buildings into single-room occupancies (SROs), which can provide affordable housing for those in urgent need. And surely using an old motel such as the Stardust Motel on Bedford Highway would be faster and more cost-effective than building Pallet Shelters.
Not to mention, we can also make changes to building requirements to allow different types of building that are faster and less expensive, such as shipping container homes and pre-fabricted homes to be built in areas where they are desperately needed.
Additionally, by working directly with the province, the committee can push for provincial policy changes, such as increasing Income Assistance rates and providing wraparound services for the most vulnerable. These short-term measures are vital in stabilizing the housing situation while longer-term solutions are developed.
Balancing Immediate Action with Long-Term Planning
The key to solving Halifax’s housing crisis lies in balancing immediate action with thoughtful, long-term planning. While converting vacant buildings and using existing funding programs addresses the urgent needs, the joint planning committee should also focus on future-proofing Halifax’s housing stock. This includes pushing for inclusionary zoning laws that require affordable units in new developments and ensuring that wraparound services are available for those who need them most.
Affordable housing in Halifax requires collaboration across all levels of government, and it can’t wait. By setting up a housing-focused joint planning committee and leveraging available funding programs, Halifax can address both the short-term crisis and the long-term need for sustainable, affordable housing. Immediate action—like converting vacant buildings and tapping into the federal funding initiatives—paired with long-term policy development will ensure that Halifax becomes a more affordable, inclusive city for all its residents.
If we want to be more affordable, we need to be more collaborative.
